Ghanaians are expressing frustration with recent power fluctuations, known locally as “dumsor,” and demanding greater transparency from the government. The issue has reignited debate over the country’s energy security and the responsibility of the government to keep citizens informed.
Public Frustration Grows Over Unannounced Outages
The frustrations stem from intermittent power outages that have disrupted daily life and businesses across Ghana. While the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has not officially declared a power crisis, Ghanaians are experiencing unpredictable power cuts, causing inconvenience and economic disruption.
In response to the unannounced outages, many Ghanaians, including the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), have called on the ECG to publish a load-shedding timetable. This would allow citizens and businesses to plan their activities around scheduled power cuts, minimizing disruptions.
Lawmaker Criticizes Minister’s Response
The situation has also sparked criticism from Ghanaian lawmakers. Edward Abambire Bawa, a member of parliament and the Mines and Energy Committee, expressed disappointment with the recent comments by Energy Minister Matthew Opoku-Prempeh.
Minister Opoku-Prempeh reportedly told journalists that Ghanaians requesting a load-shedding timetable should “bring it themselves.” He further argued that the ECG has not announced any plans for load-shedding, and therefore, a timetable was unnecessary.
Bawaa: Ghanaians Deserve Accountability
Bawaa strongly condemned the minister’s remarks, emphasizing that Ghanaians have the right to demand better services and accountability from their leaders. He argued that managing the energy sector is not the responsibility of ordinary citizens but falls squarely on the shoulders of the government, led by the Energy Minister.
“It is just one of the issues about how this government seems to be treating Ghanaians,” said Bawa. “They think that they have the right to rule, and they behave with the mentality of a monarch.”
Bawaa’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Ghanaians who feel the government is not adequately addressing their concerns.
The current situation highlights the need for improved communication and transparency from the Ghanaian government. Publishing a load-shedding timetable, if necessary, would be a positive step towards informing citizens and mitigating disruptions. Additionally, Ghanaians expect a clear explanation from the government regarding the cause of the power fluctuations and a concrete plan to ensure a stable electricity supply.
Source: Graphic Online
