Editorial
Clear water paths to reduce flooding
Dear Editor,
The weekend’s torrential rain in many areas of the country truly exposed a bigger problem we have neglected as a country.
Many areas got flooded within an hour of the last rains. Places around the Kotoka International Airport, Dworwulu and Abbossey Okai near Kaneshie were not spared.
Among the many videos that emerged, I found the Abbossey Okai area as one that we must take a second look at and do something quickly about it.
It was scary how flood waters covered both sections of the road, blocked vehicular traffic as passengers on public and private vehicles were moved to higher grounds with the help of a ladder.
Others had to find their own ways to move to places to guarantee their safety.
This issue about flooding has become a ritual despite the
commentaries by politicians and technocrats on how to solve it.
We all admit the problem has been a result of our drains, most of which are choked with rubbish from households and plastic.
However, the discussion on how to deal with this problem ends after the rains subside. After that, we wait for another rainy season for the rains to come and start procuring mats, containers, clothes, food and other stuff to support those worse affected.
With more rains expected, the authorities must know it was time to walk the talk and start implementing measures that would stop or minimise these floods which sometimes endangers the lives of people.
Kwame Osei Karikari,
Dansoman
Editorial
ECG PowerApp: A mixed bag of technical issues, uncredited payment concerns
Dear Editor,
On February 18, 2020, the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, launched the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) PowerApp, a mobile application designed in-house by staff of ECG.
It was to improve its service delivery to its customers.
The development of the app also meant that customers of ECG would now have the opportunity to purchase power and pay bills using their mobile phones.
That means customers of ECG would no longer have to join long queues to purchase power, but could now do that at their own convenience and in the comfort of their homes.
According to the Communication Officer, the PowerApp has increased annual revenue growth for the company.
He said as of April 2024, the new application system had increased its annual revenue growth by 128 per cent as compared to the old system at negative seven per cent.
Despite these reasons for which the app was developed and the benefits it has brought to ECG, there have been growing concerns among a section of the public on its use.
Some have argued that they were not credited after using the app to recharge their prepaid meter while the money was deducted from their MoMo accounts.
Such experience has made some customers vow not use the app to recharge their prepaid meters but rather go to prepaid vendors nearby to purchase credit. Some are even prepared to travel to far places to purchase prepaid credits.
I think such experience does not speak well of ECG because it could affect public trust in the company in its service delivery. This is the more reason why the ECG has to take the concerns raised by its customers seriously.
Kofi Bruce,
Mampong
Editorial
Our women can deliver
Dear Editor,
I write to congratulate the women that have so far caught the attention of President John Dramani Mahama for ministerial appointment.
So far, over 10 women have been vetted already and they all gave a very good account of themselves and I hope that they perform to the best of their abilities.
This is a good sign from President Mahama who demonstrated a strong resolve to provide an enabling environment for the women to be part of decision making by choosing a woman as his Vice President.
And true to his word, a number of women have been appointed in ministerial positions and others as presidential staffers.
I believe the other appointments to come would also have women making the cut.
This would be a morale booster for the young women out there who thinks that their position is the kitchen or in a man’s house as a wife.
This is a clear case of women given the urge to aim to rise above what society and traditional norms have set for them. I wish them well.
Maame Atta,
Kokompe
