Editorial
Consumers must not be taken for granted
Dear Editor,
I think it is time Mr Kofi Kapito’s Consumer Protection Agency led a campaign to ensure consumers are compensated when personal electrical appliances get damaged as a result of power fluctuation or outage.
I had to dump my favourite sound system after it nearly caught fire due to a ‘wicked’ power outage experienced at my Baatsona residence recently. The most recent one occurred on Monday night around 9 pm.
When the power went off abruptly, it was restored after about two minutes but went off again. When it happens the power comes on with super high voltage which some of the appliances are unable to contain.
It was during one of these unstable instances that the most durable sound system I have ever had decided not to come back to life. I would have bought another one by now but not knowing when the next power outage would damage the new one too, I have decided to live without it.
Elsewhere, compensation from the service provider for this type of ‘inconvenience’ or loss of equipment would not be out of place; but that is not the case in our jurisdiction.
Although power surges are inevitable, I believe the electricity company could be more considerate any time there is a planned outage. Again, they must do well to ensure that operation of their systems does not go a long way to damage the equipment of consumers even when there is a genuine fault.
However, when the utility providers seem to be operating haphazardly without having the consumers in mind, then I would urge the public and key actors to start demanding compensation for any losses they incur as a result of ‘irresponsible’ power supply.
Frank Kumi,
Baatsona, Accra
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
