Editorial
Let’s respect our Cedi notes
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express concern over the improper manner in which some individuals are handling the Cedi notes. I have observed for the past few months the sorry state of some of the notes especially the one Ghana Cedi which seem to be losing its value.
Many of the notes I see are very dirty and worn-out due to improper handling by sections to the public, especially traders. Often, I chance on squabbles between bus conductors (drivers’ mates) and passengers on commercial vehicles as some passengers would not accept disfigured notes as change. Similarly, some bus conductors do not accept torn notes as payment from passengers.
This ‘conflict’ does not involve bus conductors and passengers but extends to traders and food vendors as well who also refuse ‘unpresentable’ cedi notes from their customers. I believe all of these could be traced to the general lack of care for the notes which were printed with the tax payer’s money.
I, therefore, wish to call on the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) and other key stakeholders to reactivate public education on the need for individuals to be more responsible in handling cash.
We have always been encouraged to neatly fold and keep paper notes in a wallet or a purse but many people continue to disregard this advice. We all need to change our ways.
Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,
University of Cape Coast.
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
