Features
ECG, GWCL et al…
Mr Clifford-Braimah GWCL boss
I am uncomfortable writing about utilities in our country, not because they perform above average, but because no one listens when Ghanaian consumers complain. My understanding is that wherever there is a monopoly, consumer’s voices do not resonate.
One beautiful Saturday morning two and a half months ago about half a dozen young men came to my residence with meters, cables and tools claiming they were contracted by our almighty ECG to change my meter and that of my Landlord’s.
Of course, they were in ECG identifiable apparel, but I asked them why they would replace a perfectly working meter. They said they were acting on orders. I realized they were small fishes in the scheme of things, but I still had a few questions for them. I had over 350 cedis worth of credit on my meter; their response was that it would be credited on to the new meter.
We were to go to the ECG office the very next Monday to have our new status regularised and that they had a token credit of 30 cedis on the new meter. Fifty cedis should be paid on the Monday and the token 30 cedis would be deducted leaving a credit balance of 20 cedis.
On Monday I sent an emissary to the ECG offices at Dansoman with the fifty cedis. He returned with no receipt but with a message that I would receive a call after the regularization was completed. Two and a half months down the line I have not been called and my credit of over 350 cedis has not been restored.
Dear reader, please note that I am not alone in this dilemma. Almost all customers in my general area have a similar tale to narrate. I spoke to one official at Dansoman ECG who was quite concerned and tried to help but later reported a sluggish system. Up till today, the ECG has done nothing to fix this problem. Honestly, I feel deceived and robbed as do the other customers.
But for the benevolence of a press next door whose standby generator gives me power, I would have been in total darkness. Why a utility provider as ECG would treat its customers with such contempt beats my mind.
I watched a news item two week ago where officials of ECG were on a crusade dubbed, “Fix the bill, pay the bill” targeted at postpaid clients and all I did was laugh my head off. I can bet my bottom pesewa that this will amount to nothing.
An ECG that cannot fix issues with prepaid meters trying to fix postpaid ones? The ECG should cut through the chase.
Now, I was told to contact a vendor to purchase power without any assurance that I would get my ‘stolen’ credit back. I duly contacted the vendor who told me to send her my new meter’s details, which I did. After that she sent me a Momo number to make payment to. I paid up and got a printed receipt, but it took the whole day before the mechanism of this new purchase was explained to me.
How do I and other clients get our credits back? Mr. Boateng and his Public Relations Directorate have a duty to tell me and other customers what is going on. We need answers.
GWCL
Water, we are told is life. True as this saying is, water can also be the end of life, a lack of it, that is. I would not want to be in the shoes of those managing the Ghana Water Company Limited. Theirs is an arduous task, especially at a time that rains have come in torrents and breaching storage limits.
I wonder how the GWCL is able to turn the cyanide poisoned and Galamsey induced carnage of some water bodies into drinkable water. But these attacks on our water bodies is no excuse for the day-to-day erratic water supply to certain communities on a regular basis.
At times announcements are made after the taps have stopped flowing. When these technical issues arise, would it not be prudent to contract water tankers to the affected communities to sell water to the people? I think every utility provider should make provisions for situations likely to cause discomfort to their customers.
The days where state institutions pander to the whims and caprices of the political class must be put in the dustbin of history if this country is to move forward. Successive governments have only paid lip-service to the destructive activities of Galamsey and its operators.
The discourse on Galamsey is as murky as the colour of the rivers under siege. Our politicians are busy arguing about who had or has a better fight against the menace while farmlands get degraded, forest covers destroyed and people’s concern is how to make money.
The management of GWCL must be courageous to tell the powers that be in the face of how much destruction the nation’s water resources have been subjected to if they have not done so already. Those running our affairs must know the buck stops at their table and the responsibility is theirs to save us, else they have failed in their duty to the country.
NCA
As a journalist I have interest in how the media space performs. I read newspapers, I listen to radio and watch television on a daily basis. Personally, I rate social media as a junkyard where one has to be careful in navigating. Mind you, not everything you find on a refuse dump is trash.
I am told that it is the National Communication Authority (NCA) that has the power to grant licences for the operation of radio and television in Ghana. What I am not too sure of is whether, as done by our Electoral Commission that creates constituencies by population density, the NCA gives licences based on the same principle.
I have this concern because the NCA seems to give out licenses like confetti. Take the Greater Accra Region, for example: a Region that is only 3,245 square kilometers in total land space, there are over sixty frequency modulated (FM) radio stations. Can the NCA tell me what accounts for this? Not only that, some of the frequencies are so close that one can feel intrusion into some of the channels by others.
Does the NCA only consider what the prospective entrepreneur has to pay to them as application fee or these licenses are given on political patronage. Media organizations, not state-owned, subsist on advertising revenue. This also is predicated on the buoyancy of the economy. Does the NCA factor these in their decisions?
Does the NCA bother whether or not some of these media houses are struggling to remain afloat in the very tight advertising space, or once they give out the licenses, these stations are on their own? Let us not forget about television stations almost equal in number.
Whatever good intentions inform this mass pluralisation of radio and television, the numbers are staggering and have the potential to collapse the industry in the long run since other applications for license are in the queue.
We recall that Ghanaians have a sickening penchant for towing the line of doing what one person has done en masse. Remember the days of Soace-to-Space when everyone got a garden umbrella and a cellphone and was in business. This was after the phenomenon of Communication Centers. This is history now.
Where do we go from when media organisations begin to fold up? Meanwhile, our Ministry of Communication has introduced policies that stifle the growth of the operators, especially in the television subsector. In my estimation, proprietors of media houses have a bleak number of days going forward.
I will get to content and professionalism in a later episode.
Post Script: This column takes a very short break.
By Dr. Akofa K. Segbefia
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
