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Tag: dumsor

  • Frustrated residents bombard me with calls over dumsor – Ashanti Regional Minister

    Frustrated residents bombard me with calls over dumsor – Ashanti Regional Minister

    Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has admitted facing mounting pressure from residents due to the recent erratic power supply, with the most severe outage occurring over the weekend.

    For several weeks, locals in the Ashanti Region have voiced their frustration over the inconsistent electricity supply, which has disrupted businesses and household activities.

    Dr. Amoakohene noted that he has been overwhelmed with appeals from residents demanding urgent intervention to address the worsening power situation.

    “For some few months now, we have been having power outages. Others have blamed it on sabotage, and others have blamed it on a lot of reasons.

    “Sunday, March 16, was epic, it  [dumsor] was almost all over the districts and municipalities, so, I have had a lot of complaints from most of the communities. We believe that you are in to solve problems in the energy sector,” he stated.

    Mounting frustrations over inconsistent electricity supply have led Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, to travel to the Ashanti Region for discussions with key players in the energy sector.

    To help resolve the issue, the Minister is set to evaluate ongoing power infrastructure upgrades in the region.

    Mr. Jinapor blamed the current electricity challenges on what he termed a frail energy sector handed over to the present government.

    However, he outlined a range of strategies designed to enhance power stability and ease the region’s electricity difficulties.

    “Ashanti region peculiarly has a major problem with power supply, it’s not just the supply of the power into the grid, but also evacuating the power and distributing it. GRIDCo is injecting some major transformers to stabilise the power supply.

    “ECG is also doing some major works and we expect that the power supply situation in Kumasi and its environs and Ashanti Region in general should see significant improvements,” he stated.

  • Parts of Accra to experience power outage as ECG concludes 2-day maintenance works

    Parts of Accra to experience power outage as ECG concludes 2-day maintenance works

    Residents in Pokuase Pharmacy, Ayawaso, Nii Ayi, Odumase, Amanfrom, Nsakina, Agbogba, and Pantang Royal will experience a temporary power outage today, Wednesday, March 12, as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wraps up its scheduled two-day maintenance exercise. 

    The outage will last from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The maintenance work, aimed at improving electricity distribution, has also affected parts of the Tema Region, where areas such as High Tension, Golf City, Community 17, Fafali, Cambodia, and HFC Estates will be without power from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

    Earlier on Tuesday, March 11, similar maintenance activities were carried out in parts of the Volta and Ashanti Regions. Residents of Tsito and its surrounding areas in the Volta Region faced outages between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. 

    In the Ashanti Region, a two-phase exercise was conducted. The first phase impacted Darko, Bebu, Ampabame No.2, Trede, Sabin Akroform, and parts of Pakyi No.2, while the second phase, lasting from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, affected Atwima Agogo, Abuakwa, Mankranso, Kunsu, Sepaase, Nkawie, Afari, Abakomade, Kasapreko, and several nearby communities.

    The ECG has assured customers that this maintenance is crucial for enhancing power reliability and reducing unexpected disruptions. 

    Residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to make necessary arrangements, while the company has apologized for any inconvenience caused.

    This comes at a time when several parts of the country are experiencing power outages due to challenges in the energy sector. However, Energy Minister John Jinapor has rejected demands from the Minority and some Ghanaians for a load-shedding timetable despite recent power outages in parts of the country.

    Their demand stems from concerns that the current power situation mirrors past periods of prolonged power crises (dumsor), despite government assurances that there is no full-scale rationing of electricity.

    At a press conference at the Jubilee House last Friday, Mr. Jinapor explained that there is no need for such a timetable because the country is not experiencing full-scale power cuts.

  • Some areas to experience power outage as ECG undertakes 2-day maintenance works

    Some areas to experience power outage as ECG undertakes 2-day maintenance works

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commenced a two-day maintenance works to ehnance the delivery of service.

    On March 11 and 12, several areas will experience intermittent power outages.

    On Tuesday, the township of Tsito and its surrounding areas in the Volta Region will experience power outages between 9am and 2pm.

    Two maintenance exercises are expected in the Ashanti Region. The first phase of maintenance works will affected areas including Darko, Bebu, Ampabame No.2, Trede, Sabin Akroform, and parts of Pakyi No.2  from 9am.

    Atwima Agogo, Abuakwa, Mankranso, Kunsu, Sepaase, Nkawie, Afari, Abakomade, Kasapreko, Nerebehi, parts of Tanoso, Pokukrom, Seidi, Hiaw Besease, Atwima Koforidua, Ntensere, Tabre, Mpasaetia, Asempanaye, and surrounding areas will be impacted during the second phase. Power will be out from 9am and 6pm.

    The Greater Accra Region will be impacted on day 2 of the maintenance works. Pokuase Pharmacy, Ayawaso, Nii Ayi, Odumase, Amanfrom, Nsakina, Agbogba, Pantang Royal, and nearby areas will be without power from  9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

    In the Tema Region, maintenance work will take place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, affecting High Tension, Golf City, Community 17, Fafali, Cambodia, HFC Estates, and surrounding areas.

     Residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to plan accordingly as the ECG apologises  for the inconvenience caused. 

  • Provide Ghanaians a load shedding timetable – Minority to Mahama

    Provide Ghanaians a load shedding timetable – Minority to Mahama

    The Minority in Parliament has urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) publish a load shedding timetable to help Ghanaians plan effectively amidst the ongoing power crisis.

    Addressing the media after Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address, Nhyiaeso MP Stephen Amoah expressed concern over the erratic power supply, popularly known as “dumsor,” and its severe impact on businesses and daily life.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen the return of electric generating sets (generators) in front of people’s shops. We have also now seen more people carrying yellow gallons to buy fuel for the purpose of operating their generator sets,” he stated.

    Drawing comparisons to past crises, he noted that just as Ghanaians once relied on “Kufuor Gallons” for water storage, these fuel containers could now be dubbed “Mahama Gallons.”

    The Minority also criticized the lack of a structured power management plan, stating that the unpredictability of the outages was making it difficult for businesses and households to function efficiently.

    “We wish now to call on President Mahama to cause ECG and NEDCo to publish a timetable to guide the current load shedding, which at the moment is not good for planning by people and businesses,” Mr. Amoah asserted.

    He stressed that transparency in the management of the energy sector is vital to reducing the economic toll on small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which are struggling to stay afloat due to the unreliable electricity supply.

  • We will have ‘dumsor’ the whole year unless ECG’s inefficiencies are fixed – IES

    We will have ‘dumsor’ the whole year unless ECG’s inefficiencies are fixed – IES

    Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has cautioned that Ghana’s persistent power outages, widely referred to as dumsor, could continue through the end of 2025 if inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) remain unaddressed.

    His remarks come in response to the resurgence of widespread intermittent power cuts, sparking fresh concerns about the reliability of the national electricity grid.

    Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, February 21, 2025, Nana Amoasi VII pointed to systemic challenges within the ECG, outdated infrastructure, and financial burdens affecting major players in the energy sector as key drivers of the crisis.

    He highlighted that Ghana’s electricity generation is currently under severe pressure, with demand often matching or surpassing available supply. He further explained that fuel shortages and forced maintenance shutdowns regularly render power plants inoperative, intensifying the strain on the already fragile distribution network.

    “Until the ECG fixes its inefficiency, collects enough of the revenue, and ensures that each participant within the energy sector gets a fair share of the revenue, we will continue to have this challenge,” he said. “This is because it will be difficult for the transmitter, GRIDCo, to invest in its ageing infrastructure, and even with ECG and its infrastructure, it is suffering.

    “It will be difficult for the power generator, be it public or private, to generate power because they also need to make some input into the power generation. There will be difficulty for WAPCo to continue supplying the natural gas. So, we are in a very uncomfortable state.

    “We know very well that we have these challenges, and until we address the inefficiencies in the ECG, I am sorry to say again that we will see dumsor till the end of the year,” Nana Amoasi VII added.

    The situation has worsened due to the government’s failure to settle a $75 million debt owed to N-Gas Limited, the company responsible for supplying gas to Ghana through the West Africa Gas Pipeline.

    During a visit to inspect scheduled maintenance works on the pipeline, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, called for public patience as the government works toward stabilizing the power supply.

    He acknowledged that the lack of spare capacity within the country’s energy infrastructure remains a significant hurdle in resolving the ongoing outages.

  • We will fix power challenges we inherited – Energy Minister urges calm among citizens

    We will fix power challenges we inherited – Energy Minister urges calm among citizens

    Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has appealed to Ghanaians for patience as the government intensifies efforts to address the nation’s ongoing power issues.

    In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Thursday, February 20, Mr. Jinapor acknowledged the frustrations caused by the persistent power disruptions but assured the public that comprehensive measures are being rolled out to resolve the situation.

    According to the Minister, the challenges stem from a struggling energy sector that the government inherited. “We inherited a very weak energy sector. Ghanaians should bear with us as we work to fix the problems permanently,” he said.

    Mr. Jinapor noted that while the current situation is far from ideal, the government is committed to implementing sustainable solutions aimed at stabilizing the power supply.

    He expressed optimism that the erratic electricity supply would be brought under control soon. “The current erratic supply situation should be stable in two weeks’ time,” he assured.

    Reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening the energy sector, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the importance of public patience as efforts continue to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply for the country.

    For some days, several parts of the country have been experiencing power outages, with a section of the public expressing their dismay and calling for early resolution.

  • Govt has bought an adequate supply of fuel to avert dumsor – Kwakye Ofosu

    Govt has bought an adequate supply of fuel to avert dumsor – Kwakye Ofosu

    Government has assured citizens that there is enough fuel to keep electricity running, despite recent power outages in some areas.

    Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, February 20, Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, admitted that some parts of the country have experienced power cuts. However, he stressed that steps have been taken to ensure a steady supply of electricity.

    He also mentioned that Energy Minister John Jinapor is actively monitoring the situation and will soon update the public on efforts to resolve the issue.

    “I can say that the energy minister is aware of the situation and in the coming days he will engage the public. But the threats that we faced at the very onset of this government, which is related to the closure of the West Africa Gas Pipeline and the failure of the previous government to meet its obligation in providing fuel for thermal power generation were averted.

    “The government has brought an adequate supply of fuel. But it is important from time to time to engage the public and address the concerns that they may have when it comes to the power situation,” he stated.

  • ‘Dumsor’ to blame for fire incident at Suame Magazine – GNFS PRO

    ‘Dumsor’ to blame for fire incident at Suame Magazine – GNFS PRO

    A preliminary investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that a recent power outage triggered the devastating fire that engulfed the Zone 21 Garage at Suame Magazine in Kumasi.

    The inferno, which broke out on Friday night, destroyed at least 25 shops and 34 vehicles, including 17 saloon cars, nine minibuses, eight heavy-duty trucks, and a pickup. The affected businesses were engaged in battery servicing, welding, spraying, lubrication, and lathe machine operations.

    Public Relations Officer of the GNFS in the Ashanti Region, D.O. II Peter Addai, attributed the fire to an electrical spark from a service pole after power was restored following a blackout.

    “There was light off around that area in the evening of Friday. When the light came back, there were some sparks in the service pole which is close to a workshop. When the spark fell on the shop it started the fire and spread to other portions of that area,” he told Luv FM’s David Akuetteh.

    The blaze quickly spread due to flammable substances in the area, particularly oils left on the ground.

    “When the fire got to the shop, it burnt the oil and crossed the street to other vehicles and shops that were there, and they also caught fire,” he added.

    Logistics Constraints Hampering Firefighting Efforts

    The Ashanti Region has been grappling with a series of fire outbreaks, including incidents at the Kejetia Market, Asafo Market, and Kwadaso Wood Market. A separate fire in Dagomba Line, a suburb of Asawase, recently claimed the life of a three-year-old child.

    So far in 2025, the region has recorded 183 fire cases. However, the fire service continues to face serious logistical challenges, with only 15 functioning fire tenders available to serve 43 districts.

    Fire officers have reiterated their urgent need for more resources to effectively respond to the increasing number of fire incidents in the region.

  • WAPCo reschedules pipeline maintenance to allow govt secure alternative fuel, avert dumsor

    WAPCo reschedules pipeline maintenance to allow govt secure alternative fuel, avert dumsor

    The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has agreed to reschedule its planned pipeline maintenance by two weeks, helping the government avert a potential power crisis in Ghana.

    This decision follows intense negotiations led by a technical committee established by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to address the looming energy challenge.

    The maintenance, initially set to begin this week, was flagged by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) as a serious threat to the country’s electricity supply. GRIDCo warned that the combined effect of ongoing fuel shortages for thermal plants and the disruption in gas supply from the pipeline would severely undermine Ghana’s power generation capacity.

    In a report, GRIDCo highlighted that critical funds are needed to procure liquid fuels to keep thermal power plants operational during the upcoming West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) pigging exercise, which is now scheduled from January 20 to February 16, 2025.

    The pigging exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, was set to temporarily halt gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline in Togo, Benin, and Tema. This would have left thermal plants in Tema without their usual gas supply, forcing plants that cannot switch to liquid fuels to shut down, thereby reducing power generation capacity.

    At a high-level meeting involving WAPCo representatives, GRIDCo officials, and the technical committee, the stakeholders deliberated on the potential impact of the maintenance on the national grid. Concerns were raised about the possible reintroduction of power outages, which could disrupt businesses and households across the country.

    Following these discussions, WAPCo agreed to delay the maintenance, giving authorities more time to secure alternative fuel supplies and stabilize electricity generation.

  • Technical committee set up to present govt a roadmap tonight to avert looming ‘dumsor’ – Felix Kwakye

    Technical committee set up to present govt a roadmap tonight to avert looming ‘dumsor’ – Felix Kwakye

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson to the President, has indicated that a technical committee has been set up by the incumbent government to avert the impending power crisis.

    Engaging the media today after an emergency meeting with key power sector stakeholders, he stated that the committee has up till tonight to provide the government a road map on the next steps to take over the matter.

    Chief of Staff Julius Debrah convened the emergency meeting with key power sector stakeholders to tackle the looming power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor.’

    https://twitter.com/ghonetv/status/1876968532711256395

    The emergency meeting involved representatives from key power generation companies, including GRIDCo, WAPCo, VRA, GNPC, and BOST, aimed at finding immediate solutions to stabilize the nation’s electricity supply and prevent power outages.

    Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has warned that a financial injection of approximately US$89.90 million is urgently needed to avert the looming power crisis, often referred to as ‘dumsor,’ and meet the country’s power generation demand.

    The critical funds are required to procure liquid fuels to keep thermal power plants running during the upcoming West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) pigging exercise, scheduled from January 20 to February 16, 2025.

    The pigging exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, will temporarily halt gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline in Togo, Benin, and Tema, leaving thermal plants in Tema without their usual gas supply. As a result, plants that cannot switch to liquid fuels will be forced to shut down, leading to a reduction in power generation capacity.

    “To ensure thermal plants in Tema can continue operating and meet demand, a total of US$89.90 million is required for the purchase of liquid fuel,” GRIDCo stated.

    The situation is further compounded by scheduled generator shutdowns in key plants, including the Kpong and TICO plants, which will coincide with the pigging exercise, resulting in even greater generation deficits. While gas production from ENI and Tullow is sufficient to meet the demand in Takoradi and Kumasi, the excess natural gas from Nigeria will need to be curtailed, a move that will only add pressure to the country’s energy system.

  • About $90m needed to avert ‘dumsor’ and meet power demand – GRIDCo

    About $90m needed to avert ‘dumsor’ and meet power demand – GRIDCo

    Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has warned that a financial injection of approximately US$89.90 million is urgently needed to avert the looming power crisis, often referred to as ‘dumsor,’ and meet the country’s power generation demand.

    The critical funds are required to procure liquid fuels to keep thermal power plants running during the upcoming West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) pigging exercise, scheduled from January 20 to February 16, 2025.

    The pigging exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, will temporarily halt gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline in Togo, Benin, and Tema, leaving thermal plants in Tema without their usual gas supply. As a result, plants that cannot switch to liquid fuels will be forced to shut down, leading to a reduction in power generation capacity.

    “To ensure thermal plants in Tema can continue operating and meet demand, a total of US$89.90 million is required for the purchase of liquid fuel,” GRIDCo stated.

    The situation is further compounded by scheduled generator shutdowns in key plants, including the Kpong and TICO plants, which will coincide with the pigging exercise, resulting in even greater generation deficits. While gas production from ENI and Tullow is sufficient to meet the demand in Takoradi and Kumasi, the excess natural gas from Nigeria will need to be curtailed, a move that will only add pressure to the country’s energy system.

    GRIDCo also projected that the country will face a natural gas shortfall of 129 mmscfd in 2025, meaning that additional gas supplies or equivalent volumes of liquid fuels will be required to meet thermal generation needs. “There is an urgent need for at least 244.66 MW of additional dependable generation capacity by the end of 2025 to ensure sustained supply,” the company emphasized.

    The report comes at a time when fears of a power crisis have intensified following warnings from Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, who revealed that “Ghana’s fuel stock has dropped dangerously low, with only five hours of fuel remaining.” This revelation prompted an emergency meeting called by the Chief of Staff with key energy sector stakeholders to tackle the looming ‘dumsor’ crisis.

    As the energy sector braces for the impact of the WAGP pigging exercise and ongoing fuel shortages, experts are calling for swift intervention to secure the necessary fuel supplies and boost the country’s energy infrastructure to prevent widespread power outages in 2025.

  • GRIDCo implicates Akufo-Addo’s Energy Ministry in looming ‘dumsor’

    GRIDCo implicates Akufo-Addo’s Energy Ministry in looming ‘dumsor’

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has raised alarms over the imminent power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ warning that the situation could worsen due to a looming fuel shortage.

    In a detailed report outlining the potential consequences of the scheduled pigging exercise on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), GRIDCo has placed significant responsibility on the immediate past administration under President Akufo-Addo for the current state of affairs.

    According to GRIDCo, WAPCo’s upcoming pigging exercise, which involves mandatory maintenance from January 20 to February 16, 2025, will severely impact the country’s power generation capacity. “The exercise, originally planned for October 2024 but rescheduled at the Ministry of Energy’s request, will lead to a significant reduction in natural gas supply,” the company said.

    During the pigging exercise, gas offtake from WAPCo’s pipeline in Togo, Benin, and Tema will be halted, meaning that thermal plants in Tema that rely on gas will be forced to shut down unless they can switch to liquid fuel. “This will require the purchase of liquid fuel, amounting to US$89.90 million to ensure thermal plants in Tema can meet demand,” GRIDCo stated. The exercise also coincides with scheduled generator shutdowns in key plants, further exacerbating the situation.

    In terms of capacity, the report highlights that the closure of gas supply to Tema will affect thermal plants like Sunon Asogli, Cenpower, KTPP, and others. In Takoradi and Kumasi, while the available domestic gas production is expected to meet the demand, the excess natural gas from Nigeria via WAGP will result in a surplus. “To avoid an imbalance, gas production from ENI and Tullow will need to be reduced,” GRIDCo noted.

    Moreover, GRIDCo has pointed out that the country’s electricity supply in 2025 faces even more significant challenges. The power sector is expected to face a deficit of 129 mmscfd of natural gas, a shortfall that could require procurement of liquid fuels or additional gas supplies to meet demand. “There is an urgent need for at least 244.66 MW of dependable additional generation capacity by the end of 2025 to ensure sustained supply,” the report emphasized.

    These concerns come at a time when Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, raised an urgent alarm over the dwindling fuel reserves in the country. Following the inauguration of President John Mahama on January 7, Jinapor disclosed that “Ghana’s fuel stock has dropped dangerously low, with only five hours of fuel remaining.” The alarming situation has already prompted an emergency meeting called by the Chief of Staff with key energy sector stakeholders to address the looming ‘dumsor’ crisis.

    With the energy sector under immense pressure, stakeholders are urging swift action to avert widespread power outages. The implications of the WAGP pigging exercise, compounded by the fuel shortage, have exposed vulnerabilities in the nation’s power infrastructure, especially after the tenure of former Energy Minister, Herbert Krapa, during President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    In conclusion, the situation paints a grim picture for Ghana’s energy future, with experts calling for immediate solutions, including securing additional fuel supplies and accelerating the completion of energy projects to stabilize power generation and prevent another devastating power crisis.

  • Chief of Staff to hold emergency meeting with power sector players to address ‘dumsor’ threat – Report

    Chief of Staff to hold emergency meeting with power sector players to address ‘dumsor’ threat – Report

    Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu and former Deputy Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has revealed that President John Mahama has directed the Chief of Staff to convene an emergency meeting with key power sector stakeholders to tackle the looming power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor.’

    “Today at 10 am, His Excellency the President instructed that the Chief of Staff chairs a meeting with all stakeholders,” Jinapor disclosed during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, January 8.

    The emergency meeting will involve representatives from key power generation companies, including GRIDCo, WAPCo, VRA, GNPC, and BOST, aimed at finding immediate solutions to stabilize the nation’s electricity supply and prevent power outages.

    “The essence of the meeting is to find solutions to these challenges that I have enumerated,” Jinapor stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation caused by the previous administration’s failure to secure sufficient fuel reserves for power generation.

    The MP disclosed that technical assessments were conducted the previous night, and multiple solutions have been developed for consideration at the meeting. “Last night, we conducted a lot of technical work and have put several options on the table, which will be discussed during the meeting. His Excellency will be briefed, and I’m confident he will provide instructions to the Chief of Staff,” he added.

    Providing updates on fuel stocks as of Sunday, January 5, Jinapor revealed:

    • AKSA: 225m³, sufficient for five hours with AKSA running at 120 megawatts.
    • KTPP: 1,275m³, expected to last one and a half days with one unit running continuously.
    • Cenpower: 293,000m³, capable of lasting 20.9 days with two units running continuously.

    However, Jinapor noted the dire fuel shortage at the Asogli plant, stating, “Asogli has no fuel; there is no fuel stock at Asogli. The issue is that even if the fuel arrives now, it will still need to be treated.”

    The meeting is expected to explore both immediate and long-term solutions to address the fuel crisis and ensure a stable power supply across the country.

  • NPP govt failed to order fuel to sustain Ghana’s power – Jinapor claims

    NPP govt failed to order fuel to sustain Ghana’s power – Jinapor claims

    The Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, has accused the immediate-past New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of failing to procure sufficient fuel to sustain Ghana’s power supply, warning of an imminent power crisis, commonly known as ‘dumsor.’

    Speaking after the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, Jinapor disclosed that Ghana’s fuel reserves were critically low, with only five hours of fuel stock remaining.

    “I have bad news for you, the confirmation we are getting is that we have only five hours of fuel stock. If you look at heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, we don’t have up to two days, and so in two days’ time, we are likely to run out of fuel,” he revealed.

    Jinapor strongly criticized the previous administration for failing to secure the necessary fuel supplies, which he argued had left the incoming government in a precarious situation.

    “This administration has not ordered any fuel as we speak, and it takes on average four weeks for the fuel to arrive and four weeks for the fuel to be treated, and so we are in a very serious situation,” he stated in an interview with Joy News.

    He further revealed that during the government transition process, assurances were made that fuel parcels had been procured, but checks contradicted those claims.

    “Today, right after President Mahama assumed office and I served on the transition, my checks indicate that we do not have fuel that can cater for even two days, and so clearly we have a major, major problem,” he emphasized.

    Jinapor warned that even if the new administration took immediate steps to order fuel, it would take up to eight weeks for it to arrive and be processed, potentially leading to prolonged power outages.

    “We are in for real trouble,” he concluded, calling for urgent measures to prevent a nationwide power crisis.

  • Release timetable for ‘dumsor’ caused by NPP govt – Kevin Taylor to NDC govt

    Release timetable for ‘dumsor’ caused by NPP govt – Kevin Taylor to NDC govt

    US-based vlogger and journalist Kevin Taylor has called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to release a load-shedding timetable amid concerns of an imminent power crisis, popularly known as ‘dumsor.’

    Reacting to alarms raised about the fuel shortage causing the power supply challenges, Taylor, in a post on the X platform, urged the NDC to be transparent with Ghanaians and hold the New Patriotic Party (NPP) accountable for the crisis.

    “NDC is not Father Christmas. Let them know the truth and prepare a schedule for them. NPP created this situation we are in now, and let no one be scared to let Ghanaians know the truth. We want the schedule. Thank you,” Taylor wrote.

    His comments follow a warning by John Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, about the critical state of the country’s fuel reserves. Jinapor disclosed that the fuel stock had dropped to alarming levels, posing a severe threat to the stability of the power supply.

    “I have bad news for you. The confirmation we are getting is that we have only five hours of fuel stock. If you look at heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, we don’t have up to two days, and so in two days’ time, we are likely to run out of fuel,” Jinapor stated.

    He blamed the outgoing NPP administration for failing to secure adequate fuel supplies, leaving the incoming government with limited resources to manage the crisis.

    “This administration has not ordered any fuel as we speak, and it takes, on average, four weeks for the fuel to arrive and four weeks for the fuel to be treated, and so we are in a very serious situation,” he explained in an interview with Joy News.

    Jinapor further revealed that during the transitional phase, the outgoing government had assured the incoming administration that fuel arrangements were in place. However, subsequent checks contradicted those claims.

    “Today, right after President Mahama assumed office and I served on the transition, my checks indicate that we do not have fuel that can cater for even two days, and so clearly we have a major, major problem,” he emphasized.

  • Stakeholders warn of looming ‘dumsor’ over fuel shortage

    Stakeholders warn of looming ‘dumsor’ over fuel shortage

    Stakeholders are raising alarms over an imminent power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ due to a severe fuel shortage threatening the stability of Ghana’s electricity supply.

    John Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, disclosed the critical situation after President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration in Accra on January 7. Jinapor warned that the country’s fuel stock had dwindled dangerously, with only five hours of fuel remaining.

    “I have bad news for you, the confirmation we are getting is that we have only five hours of fuel stock. If you look at heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel, we don’t have up to two days, and so in two days’ time, we are likely to run out of fuel,” Jinapor stated.

    He criticized the outgoing administration for failing to secure adequate fuel supplies, leaving the incoming government vulnerable. “This administration has not ordered any fuel as we speak, and it takes on average four weeks for the fuel to arrive and four weeks for the fuel to be treated, and so we are in a very serious situation,” he said in an interview with Joy News.

    Jinapor further revealed that during the transition, assurances were made that fuel parcels had been secured, but checks proved otherwise. “Today, right after President Mahama assumed office and I served on the transition, my checks indicate that we do not have fuel that can cater for even two days, and so clearly we have a major, major problem,” he emphasized.

    He warned that even if fuel were ordered immediately, it would take approximately eight weeks to arrive and be processed, resulting in prolonged power outages. “We are in for real trouble,” he concluded, urging immediate action to mitigate the looming crisis.

    https://twitter.com/Joy997FM/status/1876912048275108341

    The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has also issued a stark warning, urging the Mahama administration to take swift measures. Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the IES, underscored the fragile state of Ghana’s power sector, attributing the crisis to systemic inefficiencies and poor planning.

    “It is not something that we were not expecting. Being watchers of the space, we knew very well that we had a very fragile power sector stemming from systemic inefficiencies, including poor planning,” Nana Amoasi VII said during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News.

    He highlighted the country’s heavy reliance on natural gas without sufficient backup fuel stock, leaving the nation vulnerable. “Today we are more reliant on natural gas, but thank God almost all the plants that we have in Ghana, excluding the hydro ones and the solar, all of them can run on liquid fuel as well. But we knew that we don’t have any backup or any stock of liquid fuel in adequate form, so we knew that at a certain point in time we could be exposed,” he explained.

    Expressing disappointment, Nana Amoasi VII noted the absence of fuel procurement during the transition. “Unfortunately, we were expecting that as part of the transition arrangement, some form of procurement or lifting would have been made to ensure that there is no gap left within the space, but our checks indicate that we don’t have enough liquid fuel to give us that reliance and assurance that we won’t have any shock in power supply,” he added.

    He appealed to the current administration to act urgently, stating, “So we will appeal to the men in charge today to get back to work and start work as soon as possible. Either than that, we are largely exposed.”

  • You should be preparing your soul for heaven; stop lying – Mahama to Akufo-Addo over ‘dumsor’

    You should be preparing your soul for heaven; stop lying – Mahama to Akufo-Addo over ‘dumsor’

    Former President John Mahama has descended heavily on President Akufo-Addo over claims that intermittent power outages (dumsor) were not resolved before he left office.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a recent address claimed that, unlike other past presidents who are remembered for their significant contributions, Mr. Mahama’s legacy is tied to “Dumsor” — the frequent power outages that plagued his administration.

    During the commissioning of the Sekyere Afram Plains District Hospital in Drobonso on Monday, 25th November, he said: “If he couldn’t maintain a 12-hour power supply during his presidency, how can he promise a 24-hour economy? Stop the lies,” he stated.

    In a rebuttal, the former president referenced Proverbs 19:9, encouraging the president to desist from lying and focus on preparing himself for heaven as liar would not be allowed access to God’s kingdom.

    “You know, liars cannot go to heaven. And let me give you a Bible quotation, Proverbs Chapter 19:9, he said, those who bear false witness will not go unpunished and the liars will be destroyed. If you lie, you will not go to heaven. At his age, he should be preparing his soul for heaven. So if you stop lying.”

    He added, “I expect that when NPP is telling lies, they’ll leave it to the younger ones and the junior ones to do. But when the senior ones like Nana Akufo-Addo says that Dumsor was not solved before we came, I heard him say that if we could not keep the lights on, how can we run 24-hour economy. In 2016 dumsor had been solved. Nobody’s lights went off in 2016 nobody had load shedding in 2016 that is on record,” he responded.

    https://twitter.com/metrotvgh/status/1861505539689046222

  • Prepare for an extended “low-key dumsor” – IES to public 

    Prepare for an extended “low-key dumsor” – IES to public 

    The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has issued a stark warning to the Ghanaian public, cautioning that the country could be headed for an extended period of “low-key dumsor” due to ongoing issues within the power sector.

    According to IES, the government’s failure to tackle core financial challenges facing major power producers could lead to increased intermittent power outages in the coming weeks.

    At the centre of this potential crisis is the 560 megawatt (MW) Sunon Asogli Power Plant, which shut down its operations two weeks ago. As one of the nation’s largest electricity suppliers, providing approximately 12-15% of Ghana’s power, the absence of Sunon Asogli from the national grid is already causing a noticeable dip in power availability. Sunon Asogli’s owners have cited a prolonged delay in payments amounting to USD $259 million for power supplied as the reason for halting production, emphasizing that they require an immediate capital injection to address their debts and resume operations.

    While the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has urged the power producer to restart production to prevent a looming power deficit, Sunon Asogli has maintained that without substantial payment, they cannot restore operations.

    The removal of Sunon Asogli’s 560MW capacity from the power grid has disrupted Ghana’s power balance, as daily generation has been falling short of the demand. GRIDCo data shows that power generation has averaged below 3,000MW over the past week, leading to a deficit of more than 500MW during peak hours. Although other power plants, like BridgePower and CenPower, have been brought online to compensate for the shortfall, the capacity gap remains unfilled, heightening the possibility of outages.

    IES stresses that, without a rapid resolution, this power supply gap could widen, pushing the country closer to a severe load-shedding scenario reminiscent of the “dumsor” era. Ghana’s power sector has sought to avoid prolonged outages by maintaining a delicate balance of supply and demand; however, Sunon Asogli’s shutdown threatens to undo these efforts and underscores the importance of financial stability among power producers.

    IES Recommendations to Government

    To prevent a potential power crisis, the IES has proposed several urgent interventions:

    1. The IES suggests that the government provide Sunon Asogli with a bridging loan or financial relief package to help clear its debts and facilitate a prompt return to operation. This measure would ease current grid pressures and prevent further supply disruptions.
    2. It also advocates for a structured debt payment plan to address the sector’s financial constraints. A prioritized schedule of payments to power producers would ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and could help stabilize operations across the sector.
    3. The government must strengthen ECG’s revenue collection practices to reduce payment delays, which would increase cash flow and help alleviate financial strain on power producers. Effective revenue collection is key to sustaining sector-wide financial health.
    4. The IES calls for comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing the root causes of systemic debt cycles in the power sector. By fostering transparency, encouraging private sector investment, and implementing reforms, Ghana can create a more sustainable energy industry and reduce the recurrence of power shortages.

  • Mahama can never run away from ‘dumsor’ record – Assibey Yeboah

    Mahama can never run away from ‘dumsor’ record – Assibey Yeboah

    Former Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Mark Assibey Yeboah, has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of presiding over four years of debilitating power outages, commonly known as “dumsor,” during his tenure in office.

    Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Wednesday, September 25, Dr. Yeboah asserted that Mahama cannot dissociate himself from the power crisis, which he believes had a devastating impact on the economy and the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

    “Mahama has a record, and he cannot run away from his records. We have to remind the Ghanaian people that he presided over dumsor for four years,” Dr. Yeboah said.

    According to Dr. Yeboah, the severe disruption of electricity supply during the dumsor period led to the collapse of numerous businesses, widespread job losses, and significant economic hardships. He noted that the crisis remains a key blemish on Mahama’s leadership record.

    He further argued that Mahama’s credibility has been significantly tarnished due to his handling of the dumsor crisis, stating that it should be a critical issue for Ghanaians to consider in the upcoming 2024 elections.

    “Under his administration, 32 take-or-pay power agreements were signed, and till today, the government is still grappling with their consequences,” Dr. Yeboah added.

    Dr. Yeboah insisted that Mahama’s attempts to downplay the lingering effects of the crisis in recent political discussions cannot erase the clear records of how dumsor impacted the nation.

    He urged Ghanaians to critically assess Mahama’s leadership and track record, particularly regarding power management, as they make their decision in the 2024 elections. Dr. Yeboah called on voters to focus on tangible results rather than political rhetoric when selecting their next leader.

  • Presidency pressuring Ghana Gas to sign dubious $800m contract – Minority alleges

    Presidency pressuring Ghana Gas to sign dubious $800m contract – Minority alleges

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the Presidency of exerting pressure on the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) to sign a controversial $800 million contract with Phoenix Park Gas Processors Consortium.

    According to the Minority, this alleged deal, pushed through under suspicious circumstances without parliamentary approval, is at the root of the ongoing power outages and load shedding across the country.

    Addressing journalists on the issue, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, revealed that the country recorded a power deficit of over 500 megawatts on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The shortfall had a negative impact on customers across the country.

    “Because of such dubious contracts, as we speak, there is load shedding ongoing. GRIDCo has been cautioned not to inform customers. On [September 24], there was a deficit of more than 500 megawatts. On [September 25], they are going to shed a load and customers in Ghana will be affected,” he stated.

    The recent wave of power outages has been attributed to challenges at the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) gas processing plant. According to the Minority, the ongoing load shedding is a result of dubious contracts signed by the government through the Ghana Gas Company.

    In addition to the contracts, Jinapor highlighted financial challenges within the energy sector, noting that Tullow Ghana, a key supplier of gas to Ghana Gas, has not been paid for gas supplied over the past nine months. This debt has now led Tullow to consider halting its gas supply to the country.

    “Tullow Ghana has not been paid even $1 for the past nine months for gas supplied to Ghana Gas and Tullow is threatening to curtail supply of gas,” he said.

    Jinapor further revealed that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have also sent a letter to the Minister of Finance, warning of their intent to stop the supply of power due to outstanding debts of around $1.2 billion.

    The Minority expressed grave concern about the state of the energy sector, describing it as being on the verge of collapse. The caucus is calling for urgent interventions to address the financial and operational challenges plaguing the sector, stressing that continued inaction could lead to prolonged power outages.

    “The IPPs have just dispatched a letter to the Minister of Finance intending to halt the supply of power for debt and liabilities hovering around $1.2 billion. Sadly, the energy sector is collapsing,” Jinapor warned.

    The Minority’s claims come at a time when many Ghanaians are expressing frustration over the resurgence of load shedding and unreliable power supply. The government is yet to respond to these allegations.

  • Kejetia Market experiencing ‘dumsor’ due to GHS7m debt

    Kejetia Market experiencing ‘dumsor’ due to GHS7m debt

    The Kejetia market in Kumasi has been without electricity for three days due to an unpaid debt of seven million cedis to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    Reports indicate that this power cut followed the market’s failure to adhere to a debt repayment schedule.

    According to ECG, the disconnection was a result of the management’s inability to comply with the agreed repayment terms.

    However, traders at the market argue that they have consistently paid their electricity bills to Kumasi City Markets Limited and are not accountable for the debt.

    Earlier in April, the market faced a similar disconnection over a GH¢9.7 million debt. Power was restored after a new repayment plan was put in place.

    Despite this, the ECG claims the market has failed to meet its financial commitments, leading to the current situation.

    Frustrated traders insist they are not responsible for the debt and demand transparency about its origins.

    “We are not owing. If we were, you would have seen people crowded at where we pay the bills. We don’t owe any ECG debts. They should let us know where the debts are coming from,” one trader said.

    Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, Edmond Kofi Duffuor, confirmed ongoing efforts to resolve the debt.

    “Last June, we owed 4.9 million cedis from the original 7.2 million cedis. Between June and now, we’ve paid 3.1 million cedis from the bill that was presented to us, so it was only left with 2.0 million cedis. We’ve arranged with them that we will be paying 100,000 cedis every day,” he explained.

    Despite these efforts, traders are calling for a leadership change at the market, expressing dissatisfaction with the current management.

  • There has never been ‘dumsor’ and there will never be, due to NAPO’s excellence as Energy Minister – Akufo-Addo

    There has never been ‘dumsor’ and there will never be, due to NAPO’s excellence as Energy Minister – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has asserted that under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, as Energy Minister, Ghana has effectively put an end to the recurring issue of power outages, locally referred to as ‘Dumsor.’

    Speaking at the grand unveiling of NAPO as the running mate for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the president emphasized that the country has maintained a stable power supply due to NAPO’s exemplary performance.

    “There has never been dumsor and there will never be due to NAPO’s excellence as Energy Minister,” President Akufo-Addo stated firmly, countering claims that the power crisis has resurged. “Yes, there have been a few occasions, but he has done his best to ensure that power in our country was online.”

    During the unveiling event at Kumasi Jubilee Park on Tuesday, July 9, the President highlighted his pivotal role in preparing Dr. Opoku Prempeh for his current position.

    By assigning him transformative initiatives, including the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, Akufo-Addo believes he set the stage for NAPO’s successful tenure as Energy Minister.

    “I knew he could do it; that is why I assigned that task to him, and he executed it beautifully. He also did remarkably well when I made him Energy Minister,” the President said, praising NAPO’s capabilities and contributions.

    The event, attended by the Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, marked the formal introduction of Dr. Opoku Prempeh as the running mate of the NPP’s flagbearer.

    The Asantehene praised NAPO for his hard work and modesty, attributing these qualities to his upbringing within the royal family of Asanteman.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also underscored the significance of loyalty and humility, urging NAPO to remain supportive of Dr. Bawumia. “Don’t let Bawumia regret choosing you,” he advised. “Be humble, listen to him, and do as he says.”

    Dr. Bawumia, who formally informed the National Officers of the NPP about his selection of Dr. Opoku Prempeh on July 1, 2024, received unanimous approval from the party’s National Executive Council.

    This decision has been met with enthusiasm, particularly among the people of the Ashanti Region, who are proud to see a royal from Asanteman chosen as the running mate.

  • We will do everything possible to ensure the lights stay on – Herbert Krapah

    We will do everything possible to ensure the lights stay on – Herbert Krapah

    Minister of State-designate at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapah, has reassured Ghanaians of the Akufo-Addo administration’s dedication to maintaining a consistent and reliable power supply throughout the country.

    During his address to the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, July 9, Mr. Krapa emphasized that the nation will continue to enjoy the stable electricity supply currently in place.

    He highlighted the government’s significant investments in the energy sector, which are focused on enhancing infrastructure and capacity to ensure uninterrupted power.

    Mr. Krapah pointed out that under the current administration, electricity access has been extended to previously unconnected areas, improving power accessibility across all regions of the country.

    Addressing the issue of power outages, commonly known as “dumsor,” Mr. Krapah assured the committee and the general public that there are no ongoing power outages.

    “The power situation is currently stable, and every Ghanaian can attest to it. We are delivering reliable power supply to the country and I can assure this committee that the government led by

    He emphasized that Ghanaians have experienced consistent electricity supply. Mr Krapah reiterated the government’s commitment to the energy sector, promising continued proactive measures to enhance the country’s electricity infrastructure.

  • Krachi West Hospital threatens a close down of mortuary, other units over dumsor

    Krachi West Hospital threatens a close down of mortuary, other units over dumsor

    Krachi West Municipal Hospital in the Oti Region is currently grappling with severe challenges caused by frequent power disruptions plaguing its operations.

    Dr. Hilarious Gadze, the Medical Superintendent, revealed that the hospital has incurred nearly GH₵70,000 in fuel expenses to keep generators running amidst the ongoing power outages.

    The situation has escalated to the point where hospital management has issued a stark warning: continued power failures could compel them to close essential facilities such as the mortuary.

    This potential closure would have profound repercussions for the local community, as the hospital serves as a crucial lifeline for numerous residents.

    Beyond financial strain, the power cuts have severely impacted the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality medical care. Vital medical equipment remains inoperable, hindering their capacity to provide essential treatments.

    Dr. Gadze emphasized the critical need for a reliable electricity supply to sustain the hospital’s healthcare services effectively.

    As the crisis intensifies, he expressed concerns about the hospital’s future viability, highlighting the looming possibility of having to shut down vital services if the power situation does not improve.

    In addition, Administrator Raphael Tumawu informed Adom News that the persistent power challenges have significantly affected the hospital’s financial stability.

    Recent power outages have led to the malfunction of recently repaired air conditioners and critical sterilization equipment in the theatre, further complicating medical operations.

    Mr. Tumawu urged NEDCO and other relevant authorities to swiftly intervene to safeguard the hospital’s financial health and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for patients in need.

  • Ghana can only thrive if vote-buying is banned – Archbishop Adonteng Boateng

    Ghana can only thrive if vote-buying is banned – Archbishop Adonteng Boateng

    Ghanaian-American theologian and philanthropist, Archbishop Kofi Adonteng Boateng, has urged Ghanaians to refrain from accepting money from political candidates in exchange for votes.

    He emphasized that the nation’s issues, such as economic challenges and power outages (dumsor), will persist if leaders are not elected through fair means.

    In an interview with Ghanaian blogger, Zionfelix, he described a scenario where a politician who spends a large sum of money to secure votes would likely recoup that investment by inflating project budgets once in power.

    The Archbishop called for a law to be enacted that bars vote-buying to address this problem.

    “People should not accept money from politicians to vote; otherwise, Ghana will never thrive, and ‘dumsor’ will continue. If I aim to become president and distribute about $500 billion, once in office, I must recover that money. For instance, if there’s a road construction budget, I would divide it by six, keep five parts, and allocate one part to the actual project.

    “And then we will remain in a state of hardship. The nation should enact a law that prohibits vote-buying during elections. When vote-buying occurs, it corrupts the election. Therefore, citizens should heed the messages of political candidates and vote conscientiously,” Archbishop Adonteng stated.

    The clergyman’s comments were in reference to the upcoming 2024 elections and their potential impact on the nation, depending on the electoral outcome.

    The general elections are scheduled for December 7, 2024.

  • Some parts of the country to experience a 3-week ‘dumsor’ – ECG, GRIDCo announce

    Some parts of the country to experience a 3-week ‘dumsor’ – ECG, GRIDCo announce

    Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company Limited have announced a three-week power interruptions for three weeks.

    A statement from the two entities said, “The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has explained in a statement that the reduction in gas supply is due to maintenance works being undertaken by a gas supplier in Nigeria and is projected to last three weeks.”

    “The maintenance has caused a reduction in the overall power generation capacity in Ghana, which could result in load management over the period of the work,” the statement further added.

    See the statement by GRIDCo and ECG:

    The Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wish to inform the public that, due to a reduction in gas supply from Nigeria since yesterday, June 12, 2024, some areas across the country have experienced interruptions in power supply.

    The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), in a statement, has explained that the reduction in gas supply was due to maintenance works being undertaken by a gas supplier in Nigeria and is projected to last three (3) weeks.

    The maintenance has caused a reduction in overall power generation capacity in Ghana, which could result in load management over the period of the work.

    GRIDCo and ECG, however, wish to assure the public that we are collaborating with other stakeholders in the power value chain to optimise available resources to ensure a minimal impact of the reduction in gas supply on consumers.

    GRIDCo and ECG sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

    JOINTLY ISSUED BY:

    GRIDCo and ECG

    — ENDS —

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gfTfds5pRi8
  • Give us immediate and enduring solutions to ‘Dumsor,’ – #DumsorMustStop campaigners to Akufo-Addo

    Give us immediate and enduring solutions to ‘Dumsor,’ – #DumsorMustStop campaigners to Akufo-Addo

    The #DumsorMustStop campaigners have called on President Akufo-Addo to prioritize addressing the ongoing erratic power supply in the country.

    They argue that the issue, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ is significantly affecting various sectors of the economy.

    In their petition to the President, the campaigners emphasized the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to this problem. The petition, seen by 3news.com, highlights the urgency of the situation.

    The petitioners began their protest at the University of Ghana and gathered at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange.

    They wielded placards with inscriptions such as, “Napo, Dumsor is killing our dreams,” “Dumsor Kills Businesses,” “Electricity is a right” and “Dumsor no more, we deserve better,” among others.

    Comedian DKB addressing journalists

    “Your Excellency, Mr. President, and Dr. Prempeh, we urge you to prioritize this issue with the urgency it demands. We need transparent and effective solutions to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all Ghanaians. We implore you to take the following actions:

    1. Immediate Measures; Implement short-term strategies to mitigate the current power shortages and provide relief to affected areas.
    2. Long-term Solutions: Develop and communicate a comprehensive plan to upgrade and expand our power infrastructure, incorporating sustainable energy sources to prevent future occurrences of Dumsor.
    3. Accountability: Ensure transparency in the management of our energy resources and hold those responsible for inefficiencies accountable,” parts of the petition read.

    The protesters emphasised that “Ghana has the potential to be a beacon of progress and development in Africa, but we cannot achieve this if we are constantly hindered by power crisis. We are confident that with decisive action and commitment, we can overcome this challenge and build a brighter future for our nation. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt response and to seeing tangible improvements in our power supply situation.

    They listed sectors which are most affected by Dumsor as follows:

    1. Healthcare: Our hospitals are struggling to provide adequate care, especially during critical moments such as childbirth. The lack of reliable power supply puts both mothers and newborns at risk, undermining our healthcare system and endangering lives.
    2. Businesses; Entrepreneurs and businesses, from small vendors to large enterprises, are experiencing significant operational challenges due to the inconsistent power supply. This is leading to financial losses, layoffs, and, in some cases, the closure of businesses. Our economy cannot thrive under such conditions.
    3. Daily Life: The constant power outages are disrupting the daily lives of Ghanaians, affecting education, productivity, and overall well-being. It is a source of frustration and despair for many, eroding the trust and confidence that citizens have in our leadership.
  • Ghana is 67 years, yet we have nothing to write home about – Prophet Oduro fumes over dumsor

    Ghana is 67 years, yet we have nothing to write home about – Prophet Oduro fumes over dumsor

    Outspoken Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has criticized the government and Ghanaian leaders following an unexpected power outage during his church service.

    The founder of Alabaster International Ministries expressed disappointment that Ghana continues to face persistent power outages even after sixty-seven years of independence.

    He compared Ghana’s situation to countries where such issues are rare, highlighting the lack of prior notice from the government to citizens.

    Prophet Oduro recounted his experience living in London, where there was formal notice weeks in advance for even minor maintenance work.

    He lamented the lack of similar accountability in Ghana and criticized leaders who defend the country’s failing systems.

    “My brother just came from Holland, ask if he remembers when last they experienced power outage while their president or prime minister was giving a speech? Tell me that you experience power outage over there.

    “I stayed overseas for four years. I stayed in London, and over there when the government intended to cut our supply of water to allow for maintenance work to be done, we were given formal notice three weeks to the day, we were reminded two weeks to the day, a week to the day and even the week of the day, we were notified. This was for just a 30mins maintenance work.”

    Despite this, he reminded listeners that accountability for actions will come for everyone.

    He said, “The country is 67 years, yet our lights are turned off regularly. And you will see a minister boldly defending dumsor. It is sad, yet we do not acknowledge it.

    “However, the truth is we shall all account for our deeds and be paid accordingly.”

  • That was ‘light off’, not ‘dumsor’ – Ursula Owusu on power outage during press conference

    That was ‘light off’, not ‘dumsor’ – Ursula Owusu on power outage during press conference

    Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, clarified that the brief power interruption during her press conference was simply a ‘light off’ and not indicative of ‘dumsor.’

    She stressed that such interruptions are typical and should not be conflated with a power outage (dumsor), particularly considering its brevity.

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful compared the current power situation to the extended crisis experienced during former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which lasted for almost four years.

    “Is Dumsor still a matter of concern today? We’ve been dealing with these power outages for years; they’re not a new phenomenon.

    The real issue was the extended period of darkness we faced for four years with no end in sight. That was dumsor, but the current one is light off,” she said.

    “At my press conference, there was a momentary power cut that lasted five minutes before we were able to resume, which is normal,” she stated in an interview on Asempa FM.

    She warned that the power situation could deteriorate if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were elected, urging patience as the issues are addressed.

    “We are aware of the current hardships, but that doesn’t mean we should switch to the opposition. It would be ill-advised to go from the frying pan into the fire,” she commented.

    On May 30, 2024, there was a power outage at the Ministry of Information.

    The interruption happened during Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s media briefing on the ‘5G roll-out.’

    Once the power was restored, the briefing continued as planned.

  • Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s speech during presser interrupted by ‘dumsor’

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s speech during presser interrupted by ‘dumsor’

    During an address to the press, Communications and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful was unexpectedly interrupted when the power went out.

    The agenda today was primarily focused on shedding light on a new initiative aimed at delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana.

    The Ministry also planned to address suspicions regarding the establishment of the company awarded the 5G network rollout contract, which was reportedly set up just one week before receiving the contract.

    At the event on Thursday, May 30, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful explained that the company was specifically created for this purpose because there was no existing neutral infrastructure company capable of handling the rollout at that time.

    She said the new special purpose vehicle, Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), was a collaboration between the government and several partners, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, with support from all mobile network operators in Ghana, starting with AT and Telecel.

    However, while she was explaining the rationale behind the new partnership, the electricity suddenly went off, cutting off lights, microphones, and speakers in the Information Ministry’s conference room, plunging it into darkness. The outage lasted for about five minutes.

    After power was restored, the Minister apologized for the hitch and continued with her address.

    The unstable nature of the power supply over the past few months has been a matter of concern for many Ghanaians. Some celebrities, including actress Yvonne Nelson, have planned a demonstration against the situation, which has left residents and businesses in a difficult predicament.

    On April 18, 2024, a group called ‘Youth for Asanteman’ staged a demonstration in Kumasi to demand a load-shedding timetable amid recent unannounced power cuts.

    The protesters, clad in red and black, called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Energy Ministry to ensure stable power supply.

    The protest came after President Akufo-Addo commissioned the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant aimed at improving access to power.

  • Akufo-Addo shouldn’t use the police as a strong arm to coil our right to demonstrate – #Dumsormuststop organisers

    Akufo-Addo shouldn’t use the police as a strong arm to coil our right to demonstrate – #Dumsormuststop organisers

    The organisers of the #Dumsormuststop vigil have strongly condemned the Ghana Police Service for seeking a court injunction against their planned demonstration, describing it as an act of bad faith.

    Despite initial discussions between the organisers and the police, the police have filed a writ at the High Court to block the event.

    In an interview with JoyNews, lead organiser Selorm Dramani argued that the police’s actions are an attempt to curtail their constitutional right to protest.

    Mr Dramani emphasized that protesters are required to notify the police about such events, facilitating a collaborative approach to ensure a peaceful assembly.

    He explained that while the organisers agreed to modify the timing of the vigil, they insisted on maintaining the location at Revolution Square due to its historical significance and proximity to the seat of government.

    “We stood our ground and told the police that we would not do anything about the venue. The venue would not be changed because if the venue were to change, that would even affect the principles behind holding the vigil. We chose the Revolution Square for its historical significance and its proximity to the presidency or the seat of government. So, we told the police and made it clear that it does not even lie in the mouth of the police to relocate our venue to the Independence Square”.

    He disagreed with the police’s assertion that Revolution Square, the planned location for the protest, is a security zone.

    Mr. Dramani highlighted the absence of any reference to the area as a security zone in the police affidavit submitted to the court.

    He noted that if Revolution Square were indeed a security zone, the police should be capable of effectively managing protesters within the vicinity of such installations.

    “If the police continue to extend these threat-bare excuses that the sub-region is in turmoil because of acts of terrorism, even in countries that are going through these acts of terrorism, there are demonstrations and protests going on there successfully.

    “If there is a paranoia hanging over the presidency regarding their incompetent management of the energy sector, which is resulting in this devastating effect of dumsor, the president should admit that. He should not be using the police as their strong arm to be coiling our right to demonstrate,” he noted.

  • Yvonne Nelson’s #DumsorMustStop demo to hit a snug as Police run to court for injunction

    Yvonne Nelson’s #DumsorMustStop demo to hit a snug as Police run to court for injunction

    The Ghana Police Service has filed an injunction at an Accra High Court to prevent the #DumsorMustStop demonstration from taking place.

    The organizers, led by Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, scheduled the protest for Saturday, May 25, 2024.

    During a meeting held at the Regional Police Headquarters on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, discussions between the Accra Regional Police Command and the organisers centered around the notification of the public protest and its potential impact on public order and safety.

    The Police Command expressed concerns regarding the proposed venue, Revolution Square, due to its proximity to the Jubilee House, the seat of government, which is designated as a security zone.

    Recognizing potential risks to public defense, order, and safety, the Command recommended relocating the protest to Independence Square.

    Additionally, they highlighted concerns about the proposed timing for the conclusion of the protest, set for midnight.

    They cautioned that this timing could compromise security measures, escalate tensions, and potentially lead to violence.

    Failure to reach a common ground, the police service, in a fresh motion filed on May 20, is requesting the court to order the organizers to halt the event entirely.

    The case has been scheduled for a hearing on May 24, 2024.

  • I’ll be at the forefront of ‘dumsor’ vigil- Barima Sidney pledges support for Yvonne Nelson

    I’ll be at the forefront of ‘dumsor’ vigil- Barima Sidney pledges support for Yvonne Nelson

    Hiplife musician Barima Sidney has announced his intention to join actress Yvonne Nelson’s upcoming ‘Dumsor‘ demonstration, addressing the persistent power outages plaguing the nation.

    Speaking on Cape Coast’s Property FM, the Ghanaian musician reminisced about his participation in the 2016 Dumsor Must Stop demonstration, emphasizing that the power crisis affected everyone at that time.

    “I’ve received Yvonne Nelson’s public invitation to join the Dumsor Vigil, and I assured her that I will be at the forefront of this movement,” he declared.

    Sidney passionately expressed his commitment to the cause, highlighting the ongoing challenges of ‘Dumsor’ in his community.

    He stressed that the power outages continue to disrupt daily life, compelling him to take a stand once again.

    Acknowledging the significance of collective action in addressing the issue, Sidney affirmed his readiness to mobilize and advocate for an end to ‘Dumsor,’ reaffirming his unwavering support for the cause.

  • I sleep beside my open fridge – Keche Andrew on how he deals with ‘dumsor’

    I sleep beside my open fridge – Keche Andrew on how he deals with ‘dumsor’

    One half of the popular Ghanaian duo Keche, Keche Andrew, has revealed his unique strategy for dealing with the scorching heat during power outages, locally known as ‘dumsor.’

    In an interview with Elsie Lamar on GhanaWeb’s Talkertainment, Andrew shared his secret to staying cool during night blackouts.

    “Nowadays, the light goes off at night when one is asleep. You wake up from sleep abruptly and find out you’re sweating. You start to sweat even in your dreams,” he lamented, highlighting the discomfort caused by frequent power cuts.

    To combat this, Andrew disclosed that he resorts to sleeping next to his refrigerator, with its door open, allowing the cool air to circulate and keep him cold.

    “As for me, I sweat a lot. Also most of the time, I feel too lazy to go downstairs to refill the diesel and start the generator so I just find means to keep me cold a bit,” he explained.

    Moreover, Andrew mentioned using his wife’s portable, rechargeable fans, often used for drying makeup, as an additional measure to beat the heat during ‘dumsor.’

    “I’ve had to resort to rechargeable fans lately. And when those run out of power, I use the compact ones my wife uses for her makeup,” he added.

    However, his coping mechanisms were not without criticism.

    Andrew criticized the government’s handling of ‘dumsor,’ noting a lack of acknowledgment and effective measures to address the issue.

    “Our former president owned up to the ‘dumsor’ issues during his term and gave us a schedule. But now, we face a government that won’t admit to the current state of affairs,” he remarked.

    Expressing frustration over the politicization of societal issues, Andrew emphasized the need for citizens to voice concerns without fear of being labeled or associated with political affiliations.

    “Our president once said we shouldn’t be mere spectators but should voice our concerns. Yet, in our country, when we speak up, we’re quickly labeled and boxed into political affiliations,” he pointed out.

    In conclusion, Keche Andrew’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by Ghanaians during ‘dumsor’ and the innovative ways individuals are coping with the heat and discomfort caused by frequent power outages.

  • We have stopped producing Lipton in Ghana because we are low on funds – Unilever Ghana PLC

    We have stopped producing Lipton in Ghana because we are low on funds – Unilever Ghana PLC

    Unilever Ghana PLC has addressed reports claiming its tea production line (Lipton) is relocating to Nigeria due to unfavorable business conditions in Ghana.

    The company clarified that the halt in tea production is part of a global strategy to transfer operations to its Nigerian subsidiary, Ekaterra, and not a result of macro-economic issues in Ghana.

    “Certain decisions are taken at the global level, which sometimes impact us. Sometime around 2019, we had to let go of our oils and spread business to another company upfield who are just next door to us. And this is all part of a global strategy to focus on certain core categories within the organization.

    “The tea story is very similar, this is not a Unilever Ghana decision, let me be very clear. This is a global strategy decision to offload its tea operations to allow it to operate in a way that is more efficient and not as part of the current set-up of the way we operate as Unilever globally.

    In recent times, several multinational companies have exited Ghana due to economic and profitability concerns. When this issue arose, Unilever Ghana, a long-standing fast-moving consumer goods company, was also mentioned following the suspension of its Lipton tea production line.

    However, Managing Director, Chris Wulff-Caesar clarified that this decision is part of a broader global strategy to optimize operations and leverage the strengths of its subsidiaries.

    “The tea operations leaving Ghana have nothing to do with “Dumsor” or activities in Ghana. It is a global strategy decision. The new company Eketerra has taken over that business and not Unilever Nigeria. The decision started in 2021, it took time for it to take effect.”

    “Ghana remains a place for investment, there’s still investment going on in our factory. Unilever still sees Ghana as a good investment destination. Unilever is here to stay in Ghana”, the MD added.

  • Protesting opposite Jubilee House is not permissible – Police tells dumsor vigil organizers

    Protesting opposite Jubilee House is not permissible – Police tells dumsor vigil organizers

    The Ghana Police Service’s Greater Accra Regional Command has informed organizers of an upcoming protest that their chosen location is deemed unsuitable due to security concerns.

    The organizers of the #DumsorMustStop vigil met with the police on May 15, 2024, following their notification of a protest scheduled for May 25, 2024, against frequent power outages, known as dumsor.

    In a confidential notice dated May 15, 2024, the police expressed concerns about the chosen protest site, Revolution Square, citing its proximity to the Jubilee House, the seat of Government, as a security zone.

    They cautioned that conducting the protest there could endanger public defense, order, safety, and infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others.

    “That the Jubilee House which is directly opposite the Revolution Square is the seat of Government and therefore a security zone, thus the protest and picketing at the Revolution Square may endanger public defence, public order, public safety and violate the rights and freedoms of other persons.”

    Additionally, the police highlighted the security implications of the proposed midnight closing time.

    Instead, the police suggested relocating the protest to Independence Square and assured organizers of their full support in facilitating the relocation.

    As of now, there has been no response from the organizers regarding this latest development.

    Please find the police statement below:

  • ‘You may endanger public defence if you protest at Jubilee House’ – Police tells organizers of dumsor vigil

    ‘You may endanger public defence if you protest at Jubilee House’ – Police tells organizers of dumsor vigil

    The Greater Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service has informed the organizers of an upcoming protest that the location they have chosen is deemed unsuitable due to security concerns.

    Following a meeting held on May 15, 2024, between the organizers of the #DumsorMustStop vigil and the police, where notice of a protest scheduled for May 25, 2024, against the recurring power outages, known as dumsor, was served, the police issued a confidential notice to the organizers on the same day, May 15, 2024, stating:

    “That the Jubilee House which is directly opposite the Revolution Square is the seat of Government and therefore a security zone, thus the protest and picketing at the Revolution Square may endanger public defence, public order, public safety and violate the rights and freedoms of other persons.”

    The police further expressed security concerns regarding the midnight closing time. Consequently, they suggested relocating the protest to Independence Square, emphasizing their commitment to providing necessary support for the event.

    As of now, the organizers have not responded to this latest development.

    Read the police statement below:

  • ‘Dumsor’ may affect NPP’s performance in 2024 elections – JoeWise

    ‘Dumsor’ may affect NPP’s performance in 2024 elections – JoeWise

    Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, has expressed concern that the current power outages in the country could potentially impact the ruling NPP’s electoral prospects in December if not promptly resolved.

    However, he also expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved by next month.

    “If we are not able to reverse it completely, yes it may affect our chances. But I am confident we will reverse fully within the next one month,” he said.

    While acknowledging some improvements in the power situation in the Bekwai constituency, he stressed the urgency of fully addressing the issue.

    “…..but as we speak now, I’ve been in Bekwai for the past ten days and the situation has improved dramatically. I only experienced one power outage,” he noted.

    Mr. Osei-Owusu made these remarks during a health walk organized by the Bawumia Ladies Global in the Bekwai constituency to mobilize support for the party ahead of this year’s elections.

    He expressed confidence in the NPP’s electoral prospects in the constituency, predicting that they would secure over 90% of the total valid votes cast.

    Mr Osei-Owusu urged constituents to unite behind the NPP and Dr. Bawumia in the forthcoming December general elections.

    “The Vice-President has a lot of support here, but we needed to maintain excitement and enthusiasm. So, what they did was just to pep people up. 99% of the people living in this municipality support Bawumia,” he said.

    He noted that the NDC’s limited votes primarily came from the settler communities, particularly the Muslim population, who have now aligned themselves with Bawumia. This suggests that they will switch their allegiance to the NPP this time.

    The lawmaker from Bekwai emphasized that the prevailing perception in Ghana of politicians being seen as dishonest and corrupt is one of the key factors behind his decision to leave parliament. He expressed that these issues weigh heavily on him, as he always strives to give his best.

    “Those are the things that truly affect me. It hurts because I always give my best. I have never asked for a bribe from anyone, nor have I taken one. So when people generalize and say that we are all thieves, it truly affects me,” he stated.

    He also said he has done enough and therefore it is important to give the opportunity to others to also lead.

  • Let’s go back to ‘dumsor’, ‘dumsiesie’ is not the best – GJA President

    Let’s go back to ‘dumsor’, ‘dumsiesie’ is not the best – GJA President

    The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) is calling for a structured load management timetable to help businesses plan effectively amid ongoing power challenges.

    GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, expressed preference for the term “Dumsor” over “Dumsiesie” in describing the erratic power outages, emphasizing that “Dumsor” at least came with a schedule.

    Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday, May 9, 2024, Dwumfuor highlighted the detrimental effects of power disruptions on media operations, stressing the need for consistency to fulfill their role as informers and facilitators of governance.

    “You can’t say that it is ‘dumsiesie’; what is ‘dumsiesie’? We would be better off with ‘dumsor’ than ‘dumsiesie’ because ‘dumsor’ comes with a schedule. My people from the media sector will actually appreciate it. This is affecting equipment; this is affecting transmission time. Assuming that you don’t have the capacity to purchase industrial generators, automatic switches, and all that, you’ll just be there, and you’ll go off air.

    “How do you serve the people? We serve as a bridge between the governed and the governor, and so as the bridge, we are supposed to be informing people with policies, and if we go off, break down, or if we are unable to discharge that duty, we will be doing a great disservice to this nation, and it will affect our democracy,” he said.

    He emphasized the importance of informing the public about policies and issues, which becomes challenging when power outages disrupt broadcasting schedules and transmission times.

    Despite President Akufo-Addo’s announcement of resolving the power crisis during the May Day celebration, many parts of the country continue to experience inconsistent power supply.

  • You are not blasting Akufo-Addo for ‘dumsor’ because he is an Akan – Rev Abraham Lamptey slams Akan chiefs

    You are not blasting Akufo-Addo for ‘dumsor’ because he is an Akan – Rev Abraham Lamptey slams Akan chiefs

    The founder and leader of Believers House of Worship International, Apostle Abraham Lamptey, has voiced his discontent with the current electricity crisis (dumsor) in Ghana.

    Addressing his congregation over the weekend, the esteemed religious leader criticized the government for what he perceives as a lack of regard for the people.

    In a candid manner, he questioned why the “Akan” chiefs who criticized former President John Dramani Mahama during the power crisis, have remained silent under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    He expressed his belief that political allegiance has clouded the truth, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing power outages and the need for the government to address them promptly.

    Apostle Lamptey lamented the lack of transparency from the authorities, particularly the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and called out influential figures and prophets who supported the current government without foreseeing the power challenges.

    “How many of you slept without light. They don’t respect anybody from the president to whoever. They respect anybody in Ghana. ECG is not telling us what is wrong, what they are doing and how they are doing it. And nobody is talking. Is it because Nana Addo is an Akan? I am asking Akans, Akan chiefs we heard you during the time of John Mahama. Have you lost your voices?,” he stated.

    Those prophets who prophesied about the victory of the NPP, was this part of your prophecies? What is happening to Ghana? Nobody respects anybody to say that today, the dumsor will affect residents in Mamaprobi and the next one will affect Odorkor residents.
    What is wrong with us? We deserve to be treated and seen as human beings, not sheep or goats.

    “We are not goats or sheep. We are human beings. As human beings, we all have some level of stupidity or foolishness, but when one gets money, you will realise the level of foolishness and stupidity associated with it,” he noted.

    He criticized the government’s campaign promises, suggesting that hunger, rather than wisdom, motivated them.

  • ‘Dumsor’ forces EC to secure generators for limited voter registration exercise

    ‘Dumsor’ forces EC to secure generators for limited voter registration exercise

    Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) has assured the public of a smooth limited voter registration exercise scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2024, across the nation despite the power crisis.

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, disclosed these plans during a press briefing on Monday, May 6, 2024.

    To mitigate potential disruptions due to power challenges, commonly known as “dumsor,” the EC has secured generators for all district offices. These generators will ensure continuous voter registration services in case of power outages.

    Ms. Mensa explained that the commission is taking every precaution to avoid any interruptions. However, in unforeseen circumstances, the EC has a contingency plan. Its offices will switch to an “offline” mode, registering voters manually and storing their details on a pen drive.

    “We are trying hard to, we’ve made arrangements to ensure that we don’t have challenges because of dumsor. What we’ve done is to have all our district offices rent generators so that in the event where there’s dumsor, that can kick in.

    “However, should there be the unexpected, we would switch on to the offline and by offline it means the voters will be registered and their details will be put on a pen drive and that will be copied in our offices when the light returns, so the registration will not be disrupted.”

    The upcoming limited voter registration exercise targets approximately 623,000 first-time voters nationwide.

    Registration will occur in all 258 district offices of the commission, along with an additional 785 centers to assist those facing accessibility challenges.

    Furthermore, 25 public universities have been designated as registration venues.

  • Liar! ‘dumsor’ is not over – Anyidoho challenges Akufo-Addo’s claims

    Liar! ‘dumsor’ is not over – Anyidoho challenges Akufo-Addo’s claims


    Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has challenged President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo’s statement claiming the recent power outages have been resolved.

    On May 6, 2024, Anyidoho expressed his disagreement with the President’s assertion via Twitter, stating, “It has not been resolved oooo!!!!,” as he shared a Citi News flyer featuring the president’s initial statement made on May 1.

    During his address at the 2024 May Day celebration, President Akufo-Addo declared that the recent power outages, commonly known as ‘dumsor,’ have been resolved thanks to maintenance work carried out on transformers by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    He conveyed his assurance that a reliable power supply has been reinstated nationwide, with no instances of load shedding reported.

    “Issues surrounding the maintenance of the transformers have been resolved.

    “Indeed, we have witnessed a stable power supply across the country with no load shedding reported anywhere yesterday… I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,” President Akufo-Addo said during his speech at the Workers’ Day observation.

  • Dumsor ‘saves the day’ at Amasaman after electricity pole falls on car during downpour

    Dumsor ‘saves the day’ at Amasaman after electricity pole falls on car during downpour

    During a heavy downpour in Amasaman, Greater Accra Region, a high voltage distribution pole fell on a newly acquired Mercedes-Benz while it was in motion.

    Fortunately, there were no casualties as the area was experiencing “dumsor” (intermittent power outages) at the time, saving the occupants from harm.

    The incident occurred as a result of the intense rains and strong winds that hit the area, causing several trees to split and leading to damage to cars parked nearby.

    This adds to a series of weather-related incidents in the region, including one where a tree fell on a motorcycle and a 4-wheel drive, leaving one person in critical condition.

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) issued weather warnings for the southern part of the country, predicting that the rainstorm originating from southern Togo will move westward, affecting areas in southern Ghana.

    The weather brought thunderstorms or rain of varying intensities, along with increased cloud cover. Moderate to strong winds may also accompany the rainstorm in some areas.

  • We must work together to fix ‘dumsor’ – Aliu Mahama tells gov’t

    We must work together to fix ‘dumsor’ – Aliu Mahama tells gov’t

    Chairman of the Government Assurances Committee, Farouk Aliu Mahama, has urged the government to take decisive action to tackle the recent electricity supply challenges across the nation.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, May 6, the Member of Parliament for Yendi made the plea when he praised the Energy Minister for his appearance before the committee on Friday, May 3, where they discussed the electricity situation.

    Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh dismissed claims that Ghana is in a “dumsor” era. He noted that the current power outages are due to maintenance issues, describing them as ” dum seisie”.

    He applauded the government’s efforts to address the recent power crisis, acknowledging the strategies implemented to mitigate the challenges.

    Mr. Mahama highlighted the commendable current electricity coverage of 88.75% but emphasized the need for more efforts to ensure a reliable and consistent power supply nationwide.

    “In accordance with Standing Order 225, the Hon. Minister for Energy, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, appeared before the Committee on Assurance to update the Ghanaian people on the energy situation in the country and to report on the progress of commitments made to Parliament.”

    “As the Chair of the Committee, I commended the Minister and the government for their remarkable performance in the energy sector. I noted that achieving 88.75% electricity coverage is a significant accomplishment of which we should be proud. However, I also emphasized the need for a more concerted effort to address the recent technical challenges affecting electricity supply in some parts of the country.”

  • Term Mahama’s era as dumsor, ours is dum siesie – NAPO reiterates

    Term Mahama’s era as dumsor, ours is dum siesie – NAPO reiterates

    Ghana’s Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, insists that Ghana is experiencing “dumsiesie” and not “dumsor” amidst the recent power outages plaguing the country.

    According to him, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the country’s intermittent power supply is a result of efforts to resolve the power crisis compared to the situation under the previous administration.

    During his appearance before the Government Assurances Committee Sitting on Friday, May 3, 2024, the minister responded to a question from the current member of parliament for the Ablekuma South Constituency regarding why the country is still experiencing power outages despite his claim that electrification in the country is 88.75% complete.

    “I’m not sure I am here again to talk about dumsor as you will like to drag me into.

    We are in the era of dumsie sie which is profoundly different from dumsor.Dumsor as it inflicted on Ghanaians has only happened as characterised His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.

    He is the only President that four years he reigned, ruled governed it has been dum dum dum.
    So if the non partisan colleague says that now it is worse then I don’t know where his realities lie” he noted.


  • Business owners grappling with ‘dumsor’ calls for government intervention

    Business owners grappling with ‘dumsor’ calls for government intervention

    In recent months, Ghanaians have grappled with the recurring issue of erratic power supply disruptions, colloquially referred to as ‘dumsor’.

    Despite occasional assertions by the government minimizing the severity of the situation, power cuts have become frequent, significantly impacting livelihoods and businesses across the nation.

    Consequently, there have been mounting demands for the government to either meet its financial commitments or address the underlying technical issues once and for all.

    GhanaWeb TV undertook visits to various communities in the capital city of Accra to gather insights from citizens on the repercussions of these outages and whether a government-provided timetable could aid in better planning.

    Some individuals interviewed by GhanaWeb conveyed that the ongoing power crisis, particularly in the midst of an election year, could potentially influence their voting decisions in the upcoming polls.

    Watch video below for more details:

    1. Akufo-Addo lied, ‘dumsor’ is not over – IES

      Akufo-Addo lied, ‘dumsor’ is not over – IES

      The Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has challenged President Akufo-Addo’s claim that Ghana’s power supply issues, known as “dumsor,” have been effectively resolved.

      During the annual May Day celebration in Accra, the President confidently declared that the era of power challenges was over.

      “Over the period, the issues surrounding transformers and gas supply have been successfully resolved resulting in sufficient improvement in power supply reliability,” the president said.

      However, in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Nana Amoasi VII disagreed with the President, stating that his assertions did not align with the current situation.

      He highlighted that several areas, including Weija, Ekumfi, Mankessim, Nungua, and Tema Community 2 and 25, experienced power outages between Tuesday and Wednesday, indicating ongoing deficits in the power system.

      Nana Amoasi VII stressed the importance of the President’s statements reflecting the actual circumstances, rather than relying solely on advice from his advisors. He expressed concern that the President’s advisors might not be providing him with an accurate assessment of the ongoing power challenges.

      He urged the President to be cautious in his pronouncements, as they could potentially mislead the public about the true state of the country’s power supply.

      “The first thing that we picked from the president’s statement is that today he is admitting that under his tenure, there has been dumsor. And so he made it clear in his statement that the load shedding that we are seeing is probably normal…To say that the issues have been dealt with is misleading and we pray that the handlers of the president will rather lead him than mislead him. Sometimes the president looks awful in the eyes of industry players, the watchers and even consumers.”

      “I am sure any pronouncement that he made is contingent on what they tell him but he must be very careful because the handlers are not putting out what the issues are. The value is the same. We’ve just seen a bit of change last night but if the president says that yesterday we didn’t experience dumsor anywhere around the country, that is untrue. I can recount some few places we have checked,” he stated.

      Netizens on social media who continue to experience intermittent power outage have also criticized President Akufo-Addo for his recent remarks.

    2. 7 flooded substations in Accra caused partial ‘dumsor’ on May 1

      7 flooded substations in Accra caused partial ‘dumsor’ on May 1

      The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has provided clarification regarding the power outages witnessed in certain parts of the capital on May Day.

      In a statement dated May 2, 2024, the ECG attributed the situation to rainstorms that struck the capital on May 1.

      According to the statement, these rainstorms impacted seven of ECG’s substations, leading to power difficulties in various areas of Accra.

      The affected substations were identified as Station H – Dzorwulu, Burma Camp L, Station D – Avenor, High Street AH, La Trade AJ, Lakeside Estate, and Gbawe.

      “ECG and the Ghana Fire Service are collaborating to drain all flooded primary substations to facilitate a prompt restoration of power supply.

      “We want to assure our valued customers and all stakeholders of our dedication to ensuring a reliable power supply and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the outage,” the statement signed by Director of Communications, William Boateng, stated.

      This statement follows shortly after President Akufo-Addo declared in his May Day speech that the power supply challenges experienced in recent months had been resolved.

      Read the ECG statement below:

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    3. ‘Dumsor’ is now in the past – Akufo-Addo says in May Day speech

      ‘Dumsor’ is now in the past – Akufo-Addo says in May Day speech

      President Akufo-Addo has reassured Ghanaians that the recent episodes of erratic power supply, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, will soon be a thing of the past.

      The president elaborated that the recent power outages have been addressed following the completion of maintenance work on transformers by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

      “Issues surrounding the maintenance of the transformers have been resolved. Indeed, we have witnessed stable power supply across the country with no load shedding reported anywhere yesterday…I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,” President Akufo-Addo said while delivering his speech at the Workers’ Day observation.

      His comments on dumsor come amidst public appeals for the government to either rectify the power irregularities or provide an electricity supply schedule.

      One notable advocate is Dr. Yaw Baah, the Secretary-General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), who urged the president to promptly tackle the intermittent power situation.

      Dr. Baah expressed his concerns, stating that it is unfortunate and unjust for Ghanaians to endure dumsor under the previous administration and again under the current one.

      “It is regrettable that people are facing dumsor once more; please take action on dumsor now,” Dr. Baah emphasized in his May Day message to the government.

    4. Power crisis fixed; ‘dumsor’ never to return again; – Akufo-Addo

      Power crisis fixed; ‘dumsor’ never to return again; – Akufo-Addo

      President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo assured attendees of the annual May Day celebration in Accra that the recent issues with erratic power supply, commonly known as “dumsor,” have been successfully resolved.

      He expressed confidence that the challenges are now behind the country, thanking citizens for their patience and cooperation during the difficult period.

      “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians for their patience and understanding during recent temporary challenges with electricity supply across the country.

      “Over the period, the issues surrounding transformers and gas supply have been successfully resolved resulting in sufficient improvement in power supply reliability,” the president said.

      “Indeed, over the past few days, we have witnessed stable electricity supply across the country with no load-shedding reported anywhere yesterday.”

      “For the past seven years we have worked tirelessly to keep the lights on and I am confident that the unfortunate era of dumsor will not return,” he added.