Features
Routine maintenance and reliable power supply
One major problem in this country is lack of proper maintenance culture which goes to adversely affect the lifespan of facilities built across the country.
Many a time, facilities such as water systems, electricity systems, buildings, roads and many other facilities are not given proper maintenance, a situation which leads to a decrease in the lifespan of such projects.
MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES
Indeed, if all facilities are given proper maintenance, it will go a long way to ensure that these facilities enjoy a long span of life instead of seeing them getting deteriorated within a short time. Maintenance culture is what we need to increase productivity in the sense that the few facilities available and established in various parts of the country maximise their efforts in terms of durability and positive contribution to socioeconomic development.
When facilities are maintained regularly, it helps to ensure that they last for a long time and help productivity in all sectors to be facilitated to increase to the highest level.
Currently, we have been told that the Electricity Company of Ghana and GRIDCO are carrying out maintenance on certain power facilities in various parts of the country. For this reason, certain transformers are being expanded and replaced so that the quality of power supply will be enhanced.
POWER OFFS
It is very irritating when we experience power offs in our areas of residence due to unreliable power supply and lack of maintenance. For this reason, we need to regularly carry out maintenance of these facilities so that power supply to various homes, offices and factories can flow uninterrupted and thereby make power supply very reliable and satisfactory. When this happens, power consumers in the country will be very happy because the quality of supply will be dependable and good.
It is in light of this that the ongoing maintenance of power facilities across the country must be commended by all those who understand the importance of quality and reliable power supply. Needless to say, properly maintained systems offer continuous flow of power even when it is raining. In many parts of the country, even when light rains are experienced, power supply becomes interrupted and sometimes goes off unexpectedly. On the contrary, under a properly maintained culture, it will be seen that the lighting systems will continue to stay as they are even when the rains set in.
It is, therefore, good that GRIDCO, ECG and others have found it necessary to maintain their facilities from time to time beginning from this time so that the power supply can be stabilised. Without constant maintenance, a reliable power supply cannot be guaranteed and as a result the quality of power supply will be disappointing to consumers who deserve to be given better treatment.
ONGOING EXERCISE
The ongoing exercise is good but should not be a nine day wonder. If it becomes a nine day wonder, the end result will be very disappointing to the dissatisfaction of all residents in this country.
It is, therefore, good that power supply systems are being maintained and where necessary old gadgets are replaced from time to time.
The ongoing maintenance is creating some problems in certain parts of the country. In certain places around Kumasi, Accra, the Central Region and many other parts, the power goes off from time to time due to the ongoing exercise of maintenance.
STABLE POWER
These are good in so far as they help to strengthen the system and make power supply more enduring and reliable.
In light of all this, we prefer regular maintenance culture of our power supply systems to the complete absence of maintenance which makes the facilities deteriorate at a faster rate. When the facilities are maintained regularly, they are able to perform better and last for a long time. All these result in quality and satisfactory customer service to the admiration of people in the country.
COMMENDATION
The management and staff of the power supply systems must be commended and appreciated seeing that the occasional power offs will be a thing of the past, thereby resulting in quality power supplies which will help promote rapid socioeconomic development in the country.
This is what is needed and so must be encouraged and supported by all well meaning Ghanaians.
PHENOMENON OF RISING PRICES
The world today is going through difficult economic and financial situation making it very difficult for all countries to control inflation and make life bearable for their people.
Prices have been rising persistently in all countries to such an extent that consumers are protesting at this unbearable development. Many governments have found it very difficult to appeal to their people to understand the situation. It has become very difficult for people to accept the situation because their incomes are fixed and remained the same while prices of goods and services keep escalating to unbearable levels.
RECORD- HIGH INFLATION
Throughout the world, inflation has hit its highest levels in recent times so the situation is not as pleasant as one may think. This can lead to political upheavals, disorder and insecurity in many countries. When things are difficult in this way with prices rising and rising, the end result will be the development of disaffection for the government in power.
The government in power must, therefore, be able to explain itself to its citizens in order to calm them down.
If this is not done, the disaffection may create chaotic situations which may end up worsening the plight of people in the country concerned.
UNFAVOURABLE SITUATION
It is for this reason that people must see the current era as an unfavourable situation that must be borne by everyone no matter how unpleasant the situation may be.
The current unfavourable economic trends have come about because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 which adversely affected all productive systems in the world. As a result of COVID-19, goods and services could not be produced in their desired quantities. This led to the shortage of certain goods in the market. The situation has been made worse by the sudden Russia-Ukraine conflict. Many strategic goods come from these two countries that are fighting each other. Items like fertiliser, raw materials for cement and many things are not able to come in the quantities expected thereby creating shortages in many parts of the world.
The two countries (that is Russia and Ukraine) control close to a third of the supply of crude oil in the world. As a result, oil prices have been pushed up far above the $100 mark.
SANCTIONS
The US and other western countries have applied certain sanctions against Russia to force that country to stop its invasion of Ukraine. These and many others have forced the oil prices to come down a little even though it is still above the $100 mark.
The prices of crude oil have fallen slightly but many countries are still suffering from the harsh effect of the rapid rise of goods and services throughout the world.
The high rise of oil prices has adversely affected other prices of goods and services pushing the world to a situation which has become very unbearable. As a result, many motorists for example, are not able to fill their tanks due to the escalating prices of crude oil.
HIGH FUEL PRICES
In the United States for example, we heard of stories where some motorists had to drive all the way to the US border with Mexico to fill the tanks of their vehicles since fuel price around that area is relatively cheaper.
Thus, in all the different continents in the world, life has become unpleasant. Indeed, many developing countries are suffering more from the rising prices in the world.
INFLATIONARY TRENDS
As has been pointed out already, inflationary trends in various parts of the world have reached their record high. In Ghana, the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has stated that inflation has reached 19.4 per cent. This is the highest ever recorded in Ghana over the past five or six years and it goes to show that even with the good management of the economy, inflationary trends have jumped high to a level that is not good for economic growth.
In spite of this, every effort is being made by government to come out with the best economic reforms for its people so that life can be made better for them.
UNPLEASANT DEVELOPMENTS
As a result of such unpleasant developments, the World Bank has revised the global economic growth rates. Previously, following COVID-19, the World Bank stated that global economic growth would be about 4.5 per cent and countries in the world thought that even though the figure was not good enough, it could be accepted as satisfactory so that from there, the world can grow at a higher level.
In view of the Russia-Ukraine war, economic situations have been worsened once again making economic growth and recovery more difficult. As a result, the World Bank has now revised the global economic growth rate from its previous more than four per cent to 3.1 per cent.
TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES
As has been stated, the world today is experiencing tough economic times so governments that are doing well must be warmly supported by its people so that things will not be thrown out of gear for any political expediency on the path of any groups of people whose only agenda is to satisfy their own selfish and myopic interests.
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Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
When Abigail Fremah steps up to the Armwrestling table, the noise fades, the tension settles, and order takes over.
Despite a calm, but firm and meticulous disposition, she has become one of the quiet forces shaping Ghana’s growing reputation in the sport, not as an athlete, but a referee trusted on the continental stage.
Abigail’s journey into Armwrestling did not begin at the table. Like many Ghanaian sports enthusiasts, she grew up playing several disciplines. Football was her first love, but she also featured in volleyball and basketball during her school years. Sports, she says, was simply a way of life not just for her.
“It runs through the family. All my siblings are into sports,” she stated.
“I was involved in almost every sport in school, football, volleyball, netball, hockey; I did everything,” she recalls.
Her academic background in Health, Physical Education and Recreation laid a solid foundation for her sporting career. While on scholarship at the university (University of Cape Coast), she often used her modest budget to support young athletes, sometimes sharing skills and even T-shirts at programmes she attended. Giving back, she explains, has always been part of her motivation.
However, as she matured as an athlete, Abigail made a critical self-assessment.
“Armwrestling involves a lot of strength,” she admits. “Looking at my body type, I realised I couldn’t fit properly as a competitive athlete.”
That moment of honesty pushed her to a different trajectory but equally important path in sports; which is officiating.
During her National Service, she was encouraged by Mr Charles Osei Asibey, the President of the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF), to consider officiating. He introduced her to a technical official, Mr Hussein Akuerteh Addy, who formally took her through the basics of Armwrestling officiating in 2021.
“I started as a case official,” she says. “We moved from region to region every week, officiating competitions. That’s where it all began.”
By 2022, Abigail was actively involved in national assignments, though she missed the African Championship that year. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when Ghana hosted the African Armwrestling Championship.
It was her first experience officiating at a major international competition and it changed everything.
“That was my first national and international exposure at the same time,” she says. “It really opened my eyes.”
Today, Abigail is a World Junior Armwrestling Referee, a status earned through performance, consistency and discipline. She explains that progression in officiating was not automatic.
“It’s all about performance, your appearance at African Championships, your conduct, how you handle pressure; that’s what takes you to the world level,” she stressed.
As a referee, Abigail’s priority is safety and fairness. Armwrestling, she notes, comes with risks, particularly injuries to the wrists, elbows, shoulders and arms.
“If athletes don’t follow the rules or refuse to listen to officials, injuries can happen,” she explains, adding that focus was everything.
Before every match, she ensures that all equipment which includes elbow pads, hand pegs and table alignment were properly set. Athletes are not allowed to cover their elbows, must grip correctly, and must follow the referee’s commands precisely.
“We make sure everything is fixed before the grip,” she says. “Once we say ‘Ready… Go’, there should be no confusion.”
She is also firm on discipline. Warnings are issued for infractions, and repeated misconduct attracts penalties.
“The referee must be respected, if you don’t listen, the rules will deal with you,” she says.
Abigail credits her confidence partly to her sporting family background. Her mother was a volleyball player, while other family members also participated in sports. Though they were initially concerned about her safety, her rise to the top reassured them.
“They were afraid at first,” she admits. “But they were also very proud, especially because some of them never got the opportunity to reach this level.”
Looking ahead, Abigail is optimistic about the future of Armwrestling in Ghana. In less than a decade, the country has produced African and world-level medalists, a sign, she believes, of great things to come for Ghana.
“Whenever we go out, we come back with medals such as gold and silver,” she says, and to her that was a sign of growth.
In the next five to ten years, Abigail sees herself rising to become a World Master Referee, the highest officiating level in the sport. Until then, her routine remains intense, training four times a week, working closely with athletes, standing on her feet for hours, and constantly refining her understanding of the rules.
“I love this sport,” she says simply. “That love is what keeps me going.”
Abigail encouraged women to be bold and intentional about their place in sports saying “don’t limit yourself because of fear or stereotypes.”
She also urged women to invest in learning, discipline and consistency, stressing that respect was earned through performance.
For Abigail, as Ghana’s armwrestlers continue to make their mark, she will remain where she is most effective at the table, ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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As he had promised Aperkeh, the elderly man and his wife and three daughters stopped by Aperkeh’s parents’ house. Mr Amando and his family were preparing to settle in for the night.
“Brother Ben and family”, Mr Joshua Amando said warmly, “although I know you are here on a matter that can hardly be described as joyous, it is still good to see you. You are welcome. Please sit down while I bring you water”.
“Yes, we will take water, even though we are hardly thirsty, because this is our home”.
“Okay, Ben”, he started after they had drank, “Let me go straight to the point. My daughter Priscilla has told me about the goings on between her brother Aperkeh and our daughter Stella.
Before informing me, Priscilla had expressed concern to Aperkeh about some habits he is adopting, especially the late nights and the drinking. She tells me that one Saturday morning, she was there when Stella complained about his drinking and some girls who had come to the house to look for him, and he assaulted her.
I called him and complained, but all he could say was that I don’t know what caused him to react that way, so I could not judge him. Now he does not answer my calls.
I have sent Priscilla to his house to call him, but he has refused to come. Unfortunately, Ben, my son is a much different person than the young boy who completed university and started work at the bank. I am really embarrassed about his treatment of Stella”.
“Joshua, let me assure you that even though what is happening is very unfortunate, it will not affect our relationship.
We have been friends since childhood, and I thought that with their parents’ blessing, the relationship between Aperkeh and Stella would grow to become a blessing to all of us. But there appears to be a real challenge now.
Stella thinks that Aperkeh wants her out of his house, and indeed Aperkeh himself told me that, about an hour ago.
So I’m taking my daughter home. I suggest that you do what you can to straighten him out, but if it does not work out, let’s accept the situation and continue to be one family.
I am sure that being the well behaved girl that she is, Stella will meet a young man who will cherish her. Fortunately, this problem is happening early in the day, so they can sort things out if possible, or move on with their lives if they are unable to stay together”.
“I’m really grateful for that, Ben. I will do my best in the next few days to reason with him, because apart from the relationship with Stella, Aperkeh is risking his job and career with this lifestyle.
A good job and salary offers an opportunity to gather momentum in life, not to destroy yourself”.
“Okay Brother Joshua. We will say goodnight. I hope to hear positive news from you”.
As he descended in the lift from the fourth to the ground floor, Aperkeh wondered who would be waiting at the reception to see him at nine on Monday morning. He had spent good time with both of his new girls during the weekend, so it had to be someone else. He got out of the lift and pulled a face when he saw Priscilla.
“Priscilla”, he said as he sat down by her, “what do you want here? You know Monday morning is a busy time at the bank. I am a very busy person, so say what you want, I have work to do”.
“You are very funny, Aperkeh. You are telling me, your sister, that you have work to do, so I should hurry up? Okay, Dad says I should advise you to come home tonight, because he wants to discuss the issue of Stella with you. He sent me to you twice, and you did not come.
He has tried to call you quite a number of times, but you have refused to answer his calls. He says that if you do not come tonight, you will be very surprised at what he will do. He says you will not like it at all, so better come.
“What is all this? Why won’t you people leave me alone? Stella is very disrespectful. I told her that if she wanted to continue to live in my house, she must obey me. It is that simple.
She chose to continue ordering me about, controlling me in my own house, so I told her that if she could not live under my conditions she should leave. And she left. In fact, her own father came and took her away. So what again?’’
“How did she disobey or control you? Was she complaining about your continuous drinking and late nights? And did you slap her on several occasions because of that? Did you tell her that if she could not live under your conditions she should leave? You actually said that to her father? You have forgotten that before she came to live with you, our two parents met and agreed, and gave it their blessing?’
“Why don’t you leave, Priscilla? I don’t have to listen to all that”. “Okay, I will go. Your father who gave birth to you and educated you to university level sends me to you, and you ask me to leave? I wish you would defy him, and refuse to come home as he’s telling you, because he is planning to give you the discipline you badly need. Let me tell you. Stella is such a beautiful and decent girl, and I assure you that someone will grab her before you say Jack. You are only 30 years old, and you have already become a drunkard”.
As he walked towards the lift, Aperkeh decided on what to do. He would go home, and calmly listen to what his father had to say. The old man was very unpredictable, and he wouldn’t dare ignore him. So he would take all the insults and threats, but as for Stella she was history. According to Priscilla, Stella was beautiful and all that, but she had not seen the two curvaceous princesses who were all over him, ready to do anything he asked. And these were not barely literate waakye girls, but university graduates from wealthy homes, really classy girls. With stuff like that, who needs a waakye girl? He smiled as he took his seat.
A few minutes to five, Aperkeh was packing up to leave for home to meet his dad when his phone rang. It was Priscilla.
“Aperkeh, Dad says you don’t need to bother to come. Stella’s dad says she came to him early this morning to plead that she would rather stay at home than return to your house. She thinks you are already decided to be rid of her, and she does not want to risk being assaulted again. So it’s done. You can go ahead and enjoy the nice life you have started”.
Before he could tell her to go to hell, Priscilla hanged up the line. He was partially stung that his dad had virtually cut him off. The last thing anyone would want was to fall out of relationship with his own family, which had always supported him.
But the truth was he was no longer interested in Stella. What was wrong with going by one’s feelings? He could only hope that one day, his parents and sister would try to reason with him.
By Ekow de Heer
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