Editorial
Let’s maintain peace in the country
Ghanaians will vote in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in December this year and there is a call for voters to support the upkeep of national harmony.
It is impossible to separate the electoral process from the purpose of keeping the peace before, during, and after the elections.
At the inaugural Eastern Regional Command West African Security Services Association (WASSA), the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, urged the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and other sister security services to exhibit a sense of nationalism in order for peace to reign as the nation approaches this year’s General Election
It is reassuring to know that security guards will be in the forefront enforcing law and order prior to, during, and following the elections.
He stated, “When given the chance to serve the state in such stewardship, it is important for them to think Ghana first and perform their duties fairly.”
The Spectator applauds the security agencies’ initiative and would like to emphasise that citizens can help security forces serve and safeguard the nation’s sanctity.
Furthermore, in order to gain the confidence of the public, we implore the authorities such as the Electoral Commission and others to safeguard critical election materials and the integrity of the free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Regardless of our political disagreements, let us work to keep the peace. To have a successful and peaceful election, we must exercise caution in the language we choose.
Ghana is renowned for its democracy. But we should be aware that elections have the power to significantly accelerate or impede a nation’s long-term democratic growth. We all need to make an effort to maintain the peace we are experiencing and avoid making hurtful remarks that could stoke passion and cause anarchy.
Let us all work to keep the nation peaceful.
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
