Editorial
Spare us the increment
● Pure water should not be expensive
Dear Editor,
About two years ago, the Association of Sachet Water Producers decided to increase the unit price of sachet water from 0.20 pesewas to 0.30 pesewas, citing increase in utility tariffs and cost of production as contributory factors.
There was some level of surprise and outrage but the public had to buy at that price because water is an essential commodity.
About two days ago, I decided to buy three pieces of sachet water (pure water) at the usual 0.30 pesewas each. The seller after serving me told me there were plans to increase the price to 0.40 pesewas. I was alarmed and told her to go and inform their association that citizens, including myself, were not ready to buy sachet water at that price.
I went further to ask what had informed the new price and she cited the recent increase in water tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) but again, I retorted that the new tariff still did not warrant the sudden increase of 0.40 pesewas per sachet.
Upon reaching my destination, I pondered over how the ordinary person on the street may not be able to afford ‘pure water’ sometime in future. If the proposed 0.40 pesewas per sachet is granted, it means a bag of pure water would be sold between GH¢7.00 and GH¢8.00 and it may eventually reach GH¢10.00. This, I believe, is not the way to go.
I have always maintained that irrespective of general hike in prices, some basic commodities should not be affected. If I were the government I would put a price ceiling on some essential commodities to make life easier for ordinary citizens and prevent businesses from exercising ‘arbitrary powers.’
I, therefore, wish to use your medium to inform the association of sachet water producers to spare us the proposed increment. We can’t die of thirst just because they want to make profit!
Frank Thompson,
Maamobi, Accra.
Editorial
Decentralisation of student loan scheme way to go
Dear Editor,
It is often said that education is the key to success.
Although there are divided opinions due to various reasons, one can not undermine its importance towards the growth of any country, including Ghana.
Over the years, successive governments have implemented various policies to ensure that every child gets access to quality education at all levels by bearing some of the cost.
We can talk of the Free SHS policy and also the free tertiary education for first year students by the current government.
Also, one way the government supports tertiary students financially is through the student loan scheme where tertiary students apply for loans to support themselves financially and pay when they start working.
It is fair to say that the student loan scheme has been of immense benefit to students who apply and are lucky to have it.
That notwithstanding, a few of my friends I have interacted with have also shared their frustration about the whole application process.
According to them, some students have had to abandon the idea of applying for the loan due to the frustration they encounter while going through the whole application process.
Although I never applied for the loan during my days as a university student, I shared in their pain and frustration.
Tertiary institutions are uniquely positioned to identify ‘needy but brilliant students’ more effectively than any other state institution, and for this reason I am of the view that the student loan scheme should be decentralised, with universities managing the process through a well-constituted board.
Also, the board should be clothed with the responsibility of approving loan requests based on applicants’ demonstrated academic performance and proven financial need.
Such a localised approach, I believe, would make the funds available to the most deserving students promptly and efficiently and also address the bottlenecks associated with the whole loan application process.
Atom,
Sukura
Editorial
Our MPs must show good character
Dear Editor,
I am one of the many Ghanaians that got disappointed over recent happenings in Ghana’s legislative house, Parliament.
It is a house of ‘Honourables’ and on paper, nothing can erase that or take that away from them.
However, they have a lot of work to do if they want Ghanaians to maintain that high respect and regard we have for them.
The behaviour of the Members of Parliament, especially those on the minority NPP at the Vetting Committee left Ghanaians so disappointed in them.
It looks funny sometimes watching how they shoved each other and destroy tables and microphones, properties acquired with the taxpayers money. Clearly, they don’t care how our resources were spent but that is a duty.
Despite the apologies offered, I think members involved in the fracas must wholeheartedly accept responsibility for their actions and together pay for the properties destroyed. For me, that will serve as true remorse.
Sammy Morgan,
Okaikwei
