Editorial
Partisanship will take us nowhere
Dear Editor,
As individuals, we belong to different groups, and over the years have aligned ourselves or supported different ideologies and political parties.
But the question is whether we must allow our party colours or ideological differences cloud our judgment when it comes to discussing matters of national interest?
I believe, irrespective of our affiliations, individuals or groups must be bold in condemning policies or decisions which may put the country’s development agenda off gear.
Objectivity, fairness and consensus building on national issues, in my view, would go a long way in helping us to find lasting solutions to matters that are retarding our progress as a nation.
It has been the norm in Ghana where successive governments failed to continue development projects initiated by previous governments because they do not want their opponents to “take the credit”.
This posture, in the long run, is counter-productive, hence the need for all to come together and change the narrative. When it comes to national issues, all hands must be on deck and all views, irrespective of party affiliations, must be taken seriously.
The saying in Parliament, that “the minority will have their say but the majority would have its way, should not always be the case.
Frankly, consensus building is important if we care so much about the growth of our dear nation. Partisanship, to some extent, has retarded our development and I believe we can make progress when we put aside our political lenses.
Jennifer Quaye,
Kaneshie, Accra
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
