News
ECG commences installation of 40,000 meters in W/R
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun the installation of 40,000 new prepaid meters in the Western Region.
So far, customers at New Site, Takoradi, New Takoradi, Essikado, Sekondi Market, Shama and Apremdo have been served.
“We are deploying 40,000 prepaid meters for distribution to customers in the Western Region and installations are ongoing,” the Regional General Manager, Mr Emmanuel Justice Ofori, told The Spectator on Wednesday.
He assured that all customers who have applied for the services would be served.
Mr Ofori explained that the arrangement was to clear a backlog of requests, address challenges of replacing faulty meters, old post-paid meters and also improve services.
“Management has signed a contract with MBH, an Indian prepaid meter manufacturer based in Ghana, and delivery starts from now to the end of the year. So far, installations have been successful,” he added.
The Regional Manager told The Spectator that ECG would also replace all faulty meters with prepaid meters, “depending on the areas that will be selected.”
Mr Ofori hoped the arrival of the new prepaid meters would ensure that delays in connections to ECG services would be reduced.
He indicated that regional staff had been trained ahead of the changes.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ECG in the Western Region, Mr Benjamin Quarcoo, said distribution of the new prepaid meters would be done on a ‘first -come first-serve bases.
“All customers who have applied for prepaid meters in other areas will also get theirs soon,” Mr Quarcoo said.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Takoradi
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to remain united, grateful and prayerful despite the recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed property in parts of Accra.
Speaking at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, the President noted that the nation had gathered not because all its challenges had been solved, but to reflect, give thanks to God and renew its commitment to the country’s development.
He explained that throughout Ghana’s history, the nation had consistently turned to God during both difficult and successful times, describing faith as one of the country’s strongest pillars.
“We gather not as members of different political parties, ethnic groups or religions, but as one people under God,” President Mahama stated.
He encouraged Ghanaians to approach the occasion with grateful hearts, stressing that every blessing the country enjoys comes from God.
Reflecting on the recent floods that devastated parts of Accra, President Mahama acknowledged the pain of families who lost loved ones and property during the disaster.
Despite the tragedy, he urged citizens to draw strength from Scripture, quoting First Epistle to the Thessalonians Chapter 5, Verse 18, which encourages believers to give thanks in all circumstances.
The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving brought together religious leaders, members of Parliament, the Judiciary, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security service chiefs, traditional leaders and other dignitaries to pray for the nation and reflect on its progress and challenges.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Renowned Ghanaian businessman and an indigene of the Upper East Region, Awentami Paul Afoko, has called for the construction of an international airport in the Upper East Region, arguing that it is critical to unlocking the region’s agricultural and export potential.
Addressing stakeholders at the Regional Development Framework validation forum in Bolgatanga, Mr. Afoko said the Upper East Region possesses enormous economic opportunities that can be harnessed through strategic investment in agriculture, infrastructure,, and trade.
“As an entrepreneur, I have learnt that governments do not create businesses; entrepreneurs do. Government’s responsibility is to create the environment within which businesses can thrive,” he said.
He highlighted irrigation projects and commercial farming as key drivers of economic transformation, urging greater investment in year-round production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers for international markets.
“The challenge is not finding buyers. The challenge is producing at sufficient scale throughout the year,” he stated.
Mr. Afoko also called for investment in warehouses, cold-chain facilities, packaging centres and standardized production systems to improve the competitiveness of local products, including shea butter, basket weaving, and textiles.
“We must organise ourselves to produce standardised products and invest in warehouses, cold chains, and packaging so that we become year-round suppliers,” he said.
He stressed that an international airport would significantly boost exports from the region.
“We need an airport urgently so that flowers from the Upper East can reach Europe before Kenyan flowers do. Burkina Faso produces strawberries, and we can do the same,” he remarked.
According to Mr. Afoko, the region’s strategic location also presents opportunities to expand cross-border trade with neighbouring countries through stronger economic diplomacy.
“There is the need for an international airport in the region to enable us to seize export opportunities. Our strategic location also presents enormous opportunities to strengthen border trade,” he added.
He called on the government, diplomats, and development partners to work together to position the Upper East Region as a major agricultural and export hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
