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
Kudos to Ho Teaching Hospital staff, but …
Dear Editor,
If there is any group of professionals that get bad-mouthed the most, then you are referring to nurses and medical doctors assigned to public hospitals across the country.
For this particular letter, I want to sing the praises of this same group of professionals that work at the Ho Teaching Hospital, famously known as Trafalgar.
Despite the work load and the mass casualties received at the emergency ward of the hospital, the welcoming nature of the nurses and the professional touch by the doctors can’t be ignored. My personal experience has got me travelling from my base in Accra to seek medical services from these professionals.
Special mention has to be made of the likes of Precious of the Pharmacy Department, Dr Brandon Banor (a maxillofacial resident) of the Dental unit, male nurse Justice assigned to the female surgical ward. Words cannot really do justice to their affable, professional caring nature. A simple thank you is all that I can say.
In the same vein, I can’t but call out the bad attitude of the auxiliary staff and contractors of the hospital.
Chief among them is some of the contracted bank staff that handle the payment section of the hospital and the patient registration section (those that check the status of the patient as to whether they are fee paying patients or NHIS sponsored).
The attitude at times leaves a bad taste in the mouth. One such occurrence was a night staff of the registration section who had her legs on the office table whilst talking to patients.
The CEO of the hospital needs to shine his torch light on this support sections before they erode the awesome performance of the direct medical staff of the hospital.
Thank you for the space.
Kwesi Manu
Accra
Editorial
Develop policies to address disability concerns
Dear Editor,
AT the beginning of the year, when I went to the bank to deposit money into my uncle’s account, I observed a very sad situation where a man in a wheelchair struggled to navigate his way around the facility.
This is because the structure is disability unfriendly.
As I stood and watched how the man struggled to move his wheelchair, I felt sad and wondered if this is how the life of a disabled person should be. It becomes worse if there is no one to offer help.
In Ghana, People With Disabilities (PWDs) are often treated differently and are often subjected to all forms of discrimination.
Most of these people find themselves in such a situation as a result of unfortunate happenings such as accidents and injuries.
It is, therefore, not appropriate for anyone to discriminate against them. Discrimination against such persons take many forms, including how buildings are constructed.
Most of the public structures are not disability friendly and impede their movement.
As a country, we should consider the PWDs in designing our structures. I also think that there should be a national policy that seeks to address this issue.
I have a strong conviction that when such a policy is developed by the government, people with disabilities would feel appreciated and also promote social inclusivity.
Ray,
Kasoa
