Editorial
Don’t leave toll workers hanging
Dear Editor,
When the Government suspended the collection of road tolls in November 2021, I wrote to question the fate of the toll collectors, some of whom are physically challenged persons.
They had complained that life was getting tougher following the closure and called on the government to find alternative means of livelihood but it appears assurances given are yet to materialise almost a year after the closure.
The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko-Brobbey had explained recently in Parliament that although the workers currently do not have jobs, their salaries were paid in full during the period of their contract.
I have heard there were steps to reassign some of the workers under a different employment modules but I guess those statements were only to calm the nerves of the unemployed workers.
Leadership of the workers union had argued that the new modules could have been developed before the directive to close down the toll booths was implemented and I cannot agree with them any less.
Inasmuch as I want the ministry to respond quickly to the demand of the former toll collectors, they must as well be cautious in giving the workers false hope.
If there are no alternative jobs, it should be indicated as such. However, if there is certainly an alternative source of employment for the workers, then the ministry must endeavour to deliver on its promise as soon as possible instead of keeping the workers ‘hanging.’
Nobert Mensah,
Aburi.
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
