Editorial
Speed up construction works on Sukura market
Dear Editor,
I write to bring to your notice the delayed construction of the Sukura market in the Ablekuma Central Constituency.
On Thursday, September 10, 2020, a durbar which was graced by the former Member of Parliament (MP) of the Constituency, Mr Ebenezer Nii Narh Nartey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Assembly, Mariama Karley Amui, and other dignitaries was held to cut sod for the construction of a modern market for the Sukura community.
As a temporary measure, sheds were erected on the road in front of the old market to accommodate them.
But four years afterwards, the new market funded by the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) of the Ministry of Special Development Initiative is yet to take shape.
Work is still at the foundation level, while the place had been turned into a car park and playing field for children.
Traders who sell at the market for the past four years have complained bitterly about the stalled project and the challenges they are facing.
To make matters worse, the temporary sheds have affected traffic flow.
As a concerned member of the community, I once enquired from the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly to know the reason for the delay.
Eventually, it was attributed to a change in the design of the infrastructure which needed additional funding.
I find it very disturbing that the market that have served the community for close to 50 years is not properly functioning while some of the traders have had to find other markets to sell.
Personally, I feel there was no need to start the project if the government was not ready financially.
The government, through the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, needs to find ways of ensuring that the stalled project is completed to address the challenges it had brought to the Sukura community.
Benjamin Arcton-Tettey – Sukura
arctontetteybenjamin@gmail. com
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
