Editorial
Human trafficking is menace, let’s eliminate it!
Last week The Spectator carried a story on four Nigerians who were jailed by an Accra Circuit Court for human trafficking.
According to the report the perpetrators promised to secure jobs for their victims in Ghana but unknown to them (the victims) upon arrival in Ghana from Nigeria they were compelled to engage in sex trade.
The perpetrators demanded huge sums of money from the victims before they could gain their freedom but the timely intervention of a “Good Samaritan” led to the arrest of the perpetrators who were later jailed in hard labour.
Human trafficking is a menace in society as it is associated with sexual exploitation, servitude, starvation, depression, fear and trauma among others on victims.
Most often unsuspecting victims, especially young girls, are recruited by friends or even relatives who act as agents under the disguise of securing jobs for them within or outside the country but unfortunately, show them the ‘red card’ as they reach their destination.
Some are issued with threats, forced into domestic servitude and subjected to all forms of abuses to the detriment of their health.
Recently, some Ghanaian victims of human trafficking shared their harrowing experiences of the inhumane treatment meted to them by their hosts after they were rescued and returned to the country.
In fact, the frequent reports of cases of human trafficking is so disturbing and the earlier it is nipped in the bud the better.
The Spectator, therefore, welcomes the Government’s initiative to launch a four-year National Action Plan which will provide guidelines to deal with the menace. The National Action Plan was launched by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) recently.
In the words of the Caretaker Minister of MoGCSP, Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah “despite the many interventions instituted by the government to fight human trafficking, the practice was still prevalent.”
Ms. Dapaah also explained that the National Action Plan was necessary because although numerous laws have been enacted to curb human trafficking the practice still persisted.
It is obvious that the country cannot get rid of human trafficking with only laws; rather a concerted effort is needed to eliminate it.
Let us be vigilant and give a hint or report any hidden case of human trafficking to the appropriate authorities to bring perpetrators to book.
We all need to raise awareness and join the fight against human trafficking.
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
