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Editorial

Illegal power connection

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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).

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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.

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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.

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Editorial

Unhygienic food selling environment: A serious concern that must be addressed

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Food stuff being sold near an open gutter

Dear Editor,

It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.

In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.

In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.

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While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.

I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.

Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.

However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.

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While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.

As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.

From Syram

Oyarifa

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Editorial

Provide adequate protection for footballers

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Dear Editor,

I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.

The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.

The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.

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Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.

I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.

From Eugene Ampiaw

Accra

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