Editorial
Illegal power connection
It is important for every Ghanaian to note that generation of income by government comes from the taxes we pay as well as other money paid into government chest such as payment for the consumption of electricity.
Unfortunately, many citizens try to cut corners by refusing to make payments for electricity they consume in their various homes. Some people do not pay for power at all whereas others make partial payment for the quantity consumed.
This is usually done through illegal power connections. Sometimes electrical cables are connected in such a way that they do not read into the meters installed, meaning that the bulk of the power consumed is not accounted and paid for.
It is unfortunate to note that sometimes these illegal connections are even carried out with the help of some unscrupulous officers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Yet ECG, unknowingly to some senior officers, dispatches teams to go into various places to find out about these illegal connections. It is good to carry out this exercise unannounced and also from time to time.
ECG top officials and management will have to look within the organisation and clear the mess often caused by some of the staff. Even in situations where ECG officials are not involved in such deals, those sent out to read meters and record them in various houses often turn blind eye to such illegal activity. They do this by accepting bribes and pretending that all is well with the customers when in fact this is not so.
What they fail to realise is that it is from the collection of electricity tariffs and other services supplied to their customers that constitute incomes to their organisation and make it possible for their staff to be paid.
If it were operating very efficiently, the company should have been able to generate more income and pay its workers at the end of every month, and also fulfill other commitments, without much difficulty. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Many other public institutions also operate inefficiently and their managers tend to think of filling their own pockets first before carrying out their operations in line with their mandates. Such unfortunate developments should not be allowed to continue if the state is to derive maximum revenue and cater for all its citizens in the most appropriate manner.
To this end, all managers must sit up and plug leakages in the system, so that adequate resources can be generated by these institutions to fund their respective operations without any difficulty.
Certainly the nation will be able to perform better financially, if this is done and improve upon the welfare of everyone when it comes to road construction, quality healthcare, adequate compensation to workers, supply of equipment to all workers, as well as make the required inputs for developmental purposes.
The government is spear-heading a digitalisation programme and this must be made relevant to the operations of the public institutions, so that we will be able to move higher and enjoy better and quality lives.
Editorial
Promote welfare of African children
The African Union hosts the annual International Day of the African Child on June 16 to increase awareness of the rights and ongoing struggles of African children.
Additionally, the day offers a forum for talking about and addressing topics including healthcare, education, and safety from exploitation and abuse.
It began in 1976 when students in Soweto, South Africa, were killed for demonstrating against inequality and injustice in education.
Since children have rights that must be upheld, the African Day celebration is appropriate because it serves as a poignant reminder to our communities to put children’s needs first, ensuring that they develop and realise their full potential.
Most importantly, it pushes people, governments, and communities to address pressing issues like child labour, inadequate education, and to ensure safe, healthy environments.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” is no exception to the efforts done thus far by governments, individuals, parents, and others to advance the welfare of children.
In addition to their rights to nutritious food, medical care, secure housing, and high-quality education, children also require emotional support, safety, and protection from danger in order to flourish.
Children’s physical, mental, and social development depends on these necessities, yet far too many continue to be denied their rights and go without food, housing, water, or health care.
While eating, sleeping, playing, and learning are all important aspects of a child’s growth, some children do not find these activities enjoyable. Such children work independently to make ends meet although their parents are responsible for that role,
Many people and organisations have put a lot of effort into making sure that children’s rights are outlined, upheld, and safeguarded; thus, everyone must keep fighting for children’s rights.
The Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC) was created in 1989 as a result of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which served as the foundation for all legal norms pertaining to children’s rights. This is the first international agreement with legal force that covers all human rights.
Therefore, a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal frameworks, education, community involvement, and tackling systemic challenges is needed to assure the preservation of children’s rights.
Laws that safeguard children from abuse must be put into place and upheld, public awareness of children’s rights and protection must be increased, and safe spaces must be established in institutions and communities.
Let us all work together to defend the rights of African children.
Editorial
Employ pros at local government level to address sanitation issues
Dear Editor,
In a car on my way to work on Tuesday, I listened to an interview on sanitation on a radio station which a local government expert said that most of the people that handled waste management issues at the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, were not waste management professionals but health professionals.
According to the speaker, this has contributed to the failure to address the sanitation problems, especially at the local level.
These health professionals who have been tasked to oversee waste management are only occupied with the health related dangers but have no clue on the issues at hand.
I felt very sad and found it disturbing as to why people without professional training in waste management is given responsibilities in a field alien to him.
Waste management involves a lot of processes, including segmentation of waste products as well as recycling.
Employers must know that waste management professionals at the local level was important as it helps making decisions ton how to combat it.
This is not a problem at the local government level alone. It is something across the various sectors.
Maybe this is the time for us as a country to start recruiting qualified professionals to occupy their respective fields to bring their competence to the table to solve whatever problem persist.
It is clearly a case of putting ‘square pegs in round holes.’ I believe it is about time we change that narrative and employ professionals who are qualified to find solutions to our waste management conundrum.
Baba Hafiz, Kasoa
