ECG, wake up if you’re slumbering

Some years ago, I complained bitterly about the safety implications of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) leaving some of its infrastructure, particularly transformers, substations, etc., unfenced, posing a risk to all, particularly children.

Some are sited in densely populated areas and on, or close to, school premises where children have turned the immediate environs into playgrounds, quite oblivious of the inherent dangers.

Further, some of these enclosures force pedestrians to move onto the roadway, as some are poorly sited, that is, without due regard to the safety of persons who will be accessing the roadway.

It’s disheartening and disappointing that our planners have woefully failed in this direction.

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), which ought to deal with such infractions, is, unfortunately, not doing so.

ECG selectively fenced off some of these facilities. I am not quite sure the basis on which they did that.

Now some of the fenced infrastructure either have their gates left ajar, gates dropped, unlocked or no gates at all, making it easily accessible.

This is to say, the very reason for fencing has been widely defeated.

Additionally, the surroundings are engulfed in weeds and or are unkempt as if it’s no one’s business.

My checks and understanding are that ECG has a whole Safety Unit with personnel. The question is, why the need then?    

Are they in deep slumber or waiting for the untoward to occur before acting?

It’s unfortunate that in our part of the world, no one takes responsibility for his/her actions and inactions. 

The Metropolitan, Municipal & District Assemblies (MMDAs) have not helped matters either.

There are staff within charged not only to oversee but, again, ensure development in their respective local authorities.

Unfortunately, however, it seems that they have not been up to the task. ECG, please sit up!

Ensure that all such dangerous facilities are secured and protected. 

I believe that it’s time Ghanaians start questioning the ineptitude of entities, particularly state agencies.

Osei Kwabena (Esq)
Mob: 0243579741