Editorial
Protests over prepaid meters untenable
Dear Editor,
I am appalled at banter between some citizens of Yilo Krobo and Electricity Company of Ghana over the installation of prepaid meters in the area. Since 2014, some the residents and officials of the ECG have been in the news for the wrong reason.
I learnt disagreement over electricity bills had led to protests and attacks on ECG staff and destruction of property belonging to the company with some groups resolving not to pay electricity bills anylonger.
Renewed disturbances, according to a recent report, compelled ECG to relocate its District Office from Somanya to Juapong so as to protect its staff in parts of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities.
These happenings, I believe, are uncalled for to the extent that it has taken the intervention of the military and police for ECG to start installing prepaid meters at some residence in the district.
I do not know how well stakeholders are engaging the residents to find amicable solutions to their grievances but, thankfully, calm seems to be returning to the area following the deployment of security personnel.
While I urge ECG to continue carrying out its mandate without fear or favour, I wish to remind residents that everybody pays for utilities supplied by the state, therefore, the argument of the youth groups behind the protests are untenable.
In addition to the security precaution, stakeholders and opinion leaders in the area must call their followers to order so we do not witness clashes when the military personnel leave the area after the installation of the meters.
Fred Odamy,
Akuse.
Editorial
Ensure provision of adequate first aid at schools
Dear Editor,
First aid is defined as the immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill person, aiming to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery until professional medical help arrives.
It is also considered as an essential element at every organisation and institution during emergency situations. In Ghana, first aid is also considered a legal requirement, emphasising the need for adequate supplies and trained personnel to handle emergencies.
Additionally, schools in Ghana are expected to have first aid boxes and individuals trained in first aid to address injuries and illness that may occur.
However, there have been a number of reported cases of lack of first aid kits, including first aid boxes, in some educational institutions in the country.
As a concerned citizen, I find such reports very disturbing because the lack of first aid kits at our education institutions could lead to loss of lives.
At schools, especially at the basic level, it is easy for injuries to be recorded due to the playful nature of pupils, where they are often seen running up and down and engaging in some physical activities.
It is for this reason that education institutions in the country need to take the provision of first aid kits and facilities seriously.
The various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, need to put in measures to ensure that education institutions adhere to this directive.
Fred, Dansoman
Editorial
Introduce comprehensive sex education in schools
Dear Editor
I write to express concern about the alarming rise in cases of teenage pregnancy in our communities and to advocate an urgent introduction of comprehensive sex education in our schools.
It is no longer enough to ask our children to abstain from sex without equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
In a world where information is readily available often unfiltered and misleading, young people must be guided with factual, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive education on reproductive health.
Many teenagers become victims of early pregnancy not out of rebellion, but due to ignorance. They are unaware of how their bodies work, how to protect themselves, or even the consequences of unprotected sex.
This lack of knowledge often leads to school dropouts, unsafe abortions, and a cycle of poverty especially among girls.
Comprehensive sex education does not encourage promiscuity, as some fear, rather, it empowers children to make responsible choices.
It helps them understand consent, personal boundaries, and the importance of self-respect.
Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and policymakers must all come together to ensure that our youth are protected not only through moral instruction but with practical knowledge that safeguards their futures.
If we are serious about ending teenage pregnancy, then let us be bold enough to teach our children the truth early and consistently.
Emmanuel Mensah, Cape Coast
