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.
Dear Editor,
I write to raise urgent concern about ongoing construction activities that are dangerously narrowing a lane near Darkuman Circle Station. This lane has already suffered years of encroachment, and the latest developments could block access for fire tenders, cesspit trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
There is an orange storey building on the right side of the lane. Nearly two decades ago, a structure that completely closed off this lane was demolished following pressure from residents and extensive media coverage. However, workers have returned and erected another structure, leaving part of the lane open but still encroaching.
On the left side of the lane, stores are also being constructed. While the owners are respecting the ground boundary, the buildings extend over the wall, further narrowing the passage. If this continues unchecked, the lane could become impassable for large vehicles. In an emergency, lives could be lost simply because help cannot get through. This is not just a planning issue; it is a serious public safety risk.
I have drafted a petition and will be gathering signatures from neighbors by the close of day. We intend to address it to the Accra Director of Fire Service, the Ablekuma North Municipal Chief Executive, and our Assemblyman. We hope the relevant authorities will act swiftly to prevent further encroachment and restore safe access to the lane.
Mama Moli, Darkuman
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Every child, including those with disabilities, has the fundamental right to elementary education and training, enabling them to develop their maximum potential and become self-reliant.
Unfortunately, despite provisions in the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), children with limb deformities are often denied admission to schools due to their physical conditions, even when they show eagerness and capability to learn.
Limb deformities refer to abnormalities related to the growth and development of the arms or legs. As a result, parents of affected children are advocating for an increase in trained teachers and the provision of facilities in schools to accommodate these learners.
A parent shared with The Spectator that his daughter is highly talented but is being denied admission due to her disability. He also noted the difficulties in accessing health care for children with limb deformities. Another parent highlighted the emotional toll, stating that children are often teased or mocked by peers, leading to psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, over 90% of children with disabilities in low-income countries do not attend school.
The concerns of parents are backed by Ghanaian law, including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act of 1998 (Act 560), and the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715). These laws guarantee children with disabilities the right to education, non-discrimination, dignity, social participation, special care, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
Despite these legal protections, implementation gaps due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement continue to deny many children access to education.
Many children can benefit from simple accommodations and modifications in schools, while others may require specialized, individualized support from special education professionals to help them learn and thrive.
Parents play a pivotal role as primary caregivers and advocates, supporting their children’s independence, encouraging mobility, and assisting with practical tasks.
It is also crucial for the government to provide social support by establishing more specialized orthopedic hospitals across the country to ease the burden on parents.
Addressing these barriers ensures that children with disabilities can participate in education and develop holistically, fulfilling their potential while contributing meaningfully to society.
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