Editorial
Stop female genital mutilation now
It is so surprising and sad that certain practices that degrade the dignity of women and girls still persist in this sophisticated, tech¬nological age.
Some traditionalists still uphold certain beliefs and practices that affect the rights of women and girls despite the various interventions by advocates.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is one of these practices, and it has been prevalent for a long time in Ghana, particularly in the north.
FGM refers to treatments that in¬volve the partial or complete remov¬al of the external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for cultural or other unrelat¬ed, non-medical reasons.
FGM, typically performed on girls between infancy and age 15, under¬mines their rights. It is barbaric, de-structive and diminishes the dignity of women and girls.
It is so distressing that some traditional and tribal beliefs support FGM in Ghana. While some think it promotes a woman’s cleanliness and faithfulness, others view it as a necessary part of raising a girl and a way to prepare her for adulthood and marriage.
The dilemma is how such a primi¬tive approach can be used to control a girl’s sexuality in order to promote premarital virginity and marital faithfulness.
The Spectator demands the aboli¬tion of FGM and condemns the prac¬tice in its entirety. We think that no cultural, religious, or traditional beliefs should be used to support the harmful practice of FGM, which af¬fects the health of women and girls.
According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) more than 200 million girls and women alive today have experienced FGM in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia where FGM is still practised.
Although FGM has been practised for more than a thousand years, it is encouraging to know that partner¬ships between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have seen significant achievements.
According to a 2021 Annual Report on FGM, over six million girls and women got prevention, protec¬tion, and care services connected to FGM through these interventions, and about 45 million people made public commitments to stop FGM.
Additionally, 532,158 females were spared from having FGM.
However, more needs to be done in terms of advocacy and raising awareness because the practice cannot be eradicated in a single generation.
Coordinated and systematic efforts are required to promote the abolition of FGM. These efforts must involve entire communities to con¬centrate on human rights, gender equality, sexual education, and pay attention to the needs of women and girls who experience its effects.
In order to promote awareness, change attitude, and stop harmful traditional practices, NGOs must also collaborate with girls, parents, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.
To assist the UN’s efforts to com¬pletely eradicate FGM by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, we urge supporters to step up their efforts to make FGM a thing of the past.
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
