Editorial
Let’s all support victims of Akosombo and Kpong floods
The recent spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams resulted in the displacement of thousands of people living along the lower Volta River basin, making life extremely difficult for the victims.
According to reports, over 26,000 residents have been impacted, and more than 8,000 have been rescued.
In roughly nine different district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern Regions, including the North, Central, and South Tongu District assembly, Shai Osudoku, and Ada, among others, the spillage has forced the relocation of various settlements.
Homes have been submerged because of the spillage, leaving the residents homeless. Businesses like fishing have also been impacted.
People have also suffered physical harm. Schools have been closed indefinitely. Houses have collapsed, and property worth millions of Cedis has been destroyed.
The evacuated victims are now being housed in shelters and schools, while some are staying with friends and relatives.
The situation is critical, and immediate action is required to improve it and help the afflicted residents.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) claims that the spillage began as a result of a steady upstream rise in water levels brought on by prolonged rains, and that the measure was taken to safeguard the dam and avert potential calamities.
According to VRA, the goal is to preserve the dam’s integrity when the water input is excessive. Unfortunately, the spillage’s repercussions are a regrettable situation, but they are necessary to save the dam.
The Spectator is urging individuals, corporate entities, and religious organisations, among others, to ease the suffering of the affected residents by providing them with comforting supplies such as food, water, mattresses, toiletries, detergents, sanitary towels, medical supplies, blankets, and mosquito nets while they recover from their shock.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) appears to be overburdened with the number of victims; as a result, despite the intervention, it lacks the resources to adequately carry out its purpose.
The numbers are overwhelming and as a result, everyone must come on board as soon as possible to aid the victims out of their affliction.
There are reports that more neighbourhoods will be impacted because the spillage is still ongoing and VRA is unsure of when the water will start to recede,
The Spectator applauds the government representatives and other individuals who have visited the victims to express their sympathies and provide them with help in various ways, but more has to be done to support their efforts.
Additionally, we beg pharmaceutical firms and medical professionals to step up their efforts immediately to help prevent the outbreak of cholera and other water-borne illnesses.
Because of the crowding and sanitation issues, nearby healthcare facilities must also be prepared in case a disease outbreak occurs.
In the future, the flooding catastrophe should serve as a reminder for the government to fully fund NADMO and make investments in early warning systems to avoid similar regrettable circumstances.
The government must also take the necessary steps to prepare for future compensation for the affected residents.
Let us all make a concerted effort to support victims of the Akosombo and Kpong floods.
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
