Editorial
Curb blasting menace in Nkukua-Buoho
Dear Editor,
Nkukua-Buoho, a village in the Afigya Kwabre South district of the Ashanti Region, is plagued with negative effects of blasting as a result of the operations of quarry sites in the area.
These companies use explosives with ammonium nitrate to get rid of steady rocks or big stones to create space for infrastructure development and also to make it easier for the tapping of natural resources.
These quarry operations affect the atmosphere. The deafening noise from the blasting makes life very difficult for the inhabitants in this area.
This is not healthy as the noise pollution can adversely impact the sense of hearing of the residents.
The residue of the explosives can also mix up with the soil and emit harmful gas, which when inhaled can result in cardiovascular infections, among others.
Structures in Buoho have succumbed to the harsh impulses from the blasting beneath the earth. The walls of buildings have developed deep cracks with a few buildings collapsing.
For fear of being trapped by a collapse building, residents whose structures have developed cracks have abandoned them to seek for shelter somewhere.
The situation has brought untold hardship on the people Nkukua-Buoho village.
Sadly, their cries to the authorities to intervene appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
It is our hope that through the publication of our plight, the authorities responsible for the activities of these quarry sites come to our aid or rescue by accessing the conditions here and take the appropriate measures to safeguard our lives and properties.
Alhassan Ramatu
Alhassanra651@gmail.com
University of Media, Arts and Communication-
Faculty Journalism
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
