Editorial
Protests over prepaid meters untenable
Dear Editor,
I am appalled at banter between some citizens of Yilo Krobo and Electricity Company of Ghana over the installation of prepaid meters in the area. Since 2014, some the residents and officials of the ECG have been in the news for the wrong reason.
I learnt disagreement over electricity bills had led to protests and attacks on ECG staff and destruction of property belonging to the company with some groups resolving not to pay electricity bills anylonger.
Renewed disturbances, according to a recent report, compelled ECG to relocate its District Office from Somanya to Juapong so as to protect its staff in parts of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities.
These happenings, I believe, are uncalled for to the extent that it has taken the intervention of the military and police for ECG to start installing prepaid meters at some residence in the district.
I do not know how well stakeholders are engaging the residents to find amicable solutions to their grievances but, thankfully, calm seems to be returning to the area following the deployment of security personnel.
While I urge ECG to continue carrying out its mandate without fear or favour, I wish to remind residents that everybody pays for utilities supplied by the state, therefore, the argument of the youth groups behind the protests are untenable.
In addition to the security precaution, stakeholders and opinion leaders in the area must call their followers to order so we do not witness clashes when the military personnel leave the area after the installation of the meters.
Fred Odamy,
Akuse.
Editorial
Unsanitary conditions of food vendors near gutter
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express a concern about the unhygienic conditions under which food vendors go about their business in some communities.
This is mostly associated with vendors that sell near gutters. It has become widespread and the earlier authorities do something about it, the better it will be for us.
I have noticed in recent times that several food sellers have set up their stalls close to open gutters, posing serious health risks to consumers.
The proximity of these food stalls to gutters means that food is being prepared and sold in an environment contaminated with filth, bacteria, and other harmful substances.
This is unacceptable and requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
I urge the Metropolitan and District Assemblies under the Local Government Ministry and other health agencies to take swift action to address this issue.
Food vendors should be relocated to cleaner and safer areas, with regular inspections to be conducted to ensure that food is being handled and sold in a hygienic manner.
The recent outbreak of Cholera in some regions of the country should keep us on our toes to ensure that we don’t lose guard with sanitation.
I hope that your paper will highlight this important issue to help bring about the necessary changes.
By Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
Editorial
Govt must go to aid of victims of USAID funding cut
Dear Editor,
Reading a report in your established weekend newspaper, The Spectator, last week on the effect of USAID funding cut in the Northern Region made me see the seriousness of the issue at stake.
To learn the fate of HIV/AIDS patients, those suffering from malaria, pregnant women and other category of sick people are uncertain made me sad.
This is because as a country, we have made a lot of progress in the control and management of these conditions and would be very unfortunate to see these gains eroded by the decision of the US government.
The situation described by health workers and the patients themselves is understandable because funds from the USAID have served as a backbone for health delivery in the region.
It is indeed a difficult situation but as a country, we must not fold our hands and sit unconcerned. We must be seen to be doing something.
President John Mahama has done well by tasking the Minister of Finance to find ways to raise cash to support agencies or activities to be affected by the funds cut.
The issue now is when done what would be released? I want to appeal to the government to respond immediately to curb mortality.
Rosemary Ampofo,
Obuasi
