Editorial
Spare us the increment
● Pure water should not be expensive
Dear Editor,
About two years ago, the Association of Sachet Water Producers decided to increase the unit price of sachet water from 0.20 pesewas to 0.30 pesewas, citing increase in utility tariffs and cost of production as contributory factors.
There was some level of surprise and outrage but the public had to buy at that price because water is an essential commodity.
About two days ago, I decided to buy three pieces of sachet water (pure water) at the usual 0.30 pesewas each. The seller after serving me told me there were plans to increase the price to 0.40 pesewas. I was alarmed and told her to go and inform their association that citizens, including myself, were not ready to buy sachet water at that price.
I went further to ask what had informed the new price and she cited the recent increase in water tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) but again, I retorted that the new tariff still did not warrant the sudden increase of 0.40 pesewas per sachet.
Upon reaching my destination, I pondered over how the ordinary person on the street may not be able to afford ‘pure water’ sometime in future. If the proposed 0.40 pesewas per sachet is granted, it means a bag of pure water would be sold between GH¢7.00 and GH¢8.00 and it may eventually reach GH¢10.00. This, I believe, is not the way to go.
I have always maintained that irrespective of general hike in prices, some basic commodities should not be affected. If I were the government I would put a price ceiling on some essential commodities to make life easier for ordinary citizens and prevent businesses from exercising ‘arbitrary powers.’
I, therefore, wish to use your medium to inform the association of sachet water producers to spare us the proposed increment. We can’t die of thirst just because they want to make profit!
Frank Thompson,
Maamobi, Accra.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
