In a disturbing turn of events, two workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were reportedly assaulted by some traders at the Kejetia market in Kumasi. The victims, whose identities have not yet been disclosed, were part of a revenue mobilisation team visiting the market.
Confirming the incident, Michael Nyantakyi, the General Secretary for the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU), expressed his dismay on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Tuesday. While he did not provide details on the extent of the injuries sustained by the ECG workers, he did highlight the recurring nature of such assaults and raised concerns about the safety of ECG staff.
Nyantakyi emphasized that this was not an isolated incident and lamented the lack of strict punitive measures as a contributing factor to the repeated assaults. He stressed the need for the Energy Ministry and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to intervene and decisively address the perpetrators of such acts.
Furthermore, Nyantakyi pointed out that the Kejetia market had been disconnected from the national power grid for the second time due to a substantial debt amounting to GH¢70 million owed to ECG. As a result, the market is currently reliant on a generator set for intermittent power supply since last Thursday.
The assault on ECG workers and the subsequent disconnection of the market from the national power grid underscore the complex challenges faced by utility service providers in Ghana. It also highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing issues of debt accumulation, non-payment of utilities, and ensuring the safety of utility workers.
It is imperative for all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory bodies, utility companies, and consumers, to work collaboratively towards finding sustainable solutions that prioritize both the efficient delivery of essential services and the protection of workers in the discharge of their duties.
As discussions around this unfortunate incident continue, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of upholding respect for workers across all sectors and fostering an environment where their safety is non-negotiable. Acts of violence against utility workers not only undermine their fundamental rights but also disrupt essential services that are critical for societal functioning.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by utility service providers, ensuring timely payment of utility bills, and safeguarding the well-being of workers are essential components of sustaining a reliable and efficient utility sector. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to engage constructively in finding lasting solutions that benefit both service providers and consumers alike.
-source Adomonline | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
