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Tag: dumsor

  • Your dumsor timetable comment was cruel – Mahama tells NAPO

    Your dumsor timetable comment was cruel – Mahama tells NAPO

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has criticized Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his dismissal of those requesting a schedule for power outages, branding it as “most disrespectful.”

    Mahama’s remarks came in response to Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s statement that individuals seeking a dumsor timetable are harboring malicious intentions towards Ghana and should create their own schedule if they desire one.

    “Ask those who want it to bring it if there is [one],” the Manhyia South MP told journalists on Monday, 25 March 2024, at the inauguration of the governing New Patriotic Party’s campaign team in the Ashanti Region.

    “I haven’t seen any timetable,” he noted, adding: “The Electricity Company of Ghana says that there’s no timetable coming,” so “why do you want to bring a timetable?”

    “For what purpose? Why would somebody wake up and wish for evil and wish bad for the country?” he wondered.

    During the inauguration of the governing New Patriotic Party’s campaign team in the Ashanti Region on Monday, March 25, 2024, the Manhyia South MP asserted, “Ask those who want it to bring it if there is [one].”

    He emphasized that he hasn’t seen any such timetable and questioned the purpose behind its creation, particularly when the Electricity Company of Ghana has stated that no such schedule is forthcoming.

    Expressing concern over the lack of planning due to the erratic power supply, Mahama addressed members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) during a stakeholder engagement.

    He highlighted mismanagement in generating assets and the use of ESLA funds, which were intended to finance debt, as contributing factors to the return of dumsor.

    Mahama emphasized the importance of citizens having a schedule to plan effectively and criticized Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s assertion that those seeking a timetable have malicious intentions towards the country. He described this stance as disrespectful to Ghanaians and customers of electricity, emphasizing the necessity of a stable macroeconomic environment for business growth and fiscal consolidation.

    “The country has been plunged into darkness. Mismanagement about generating assets and collateralisation of ESLA, which was meant to provide the resources to finance current and legacy debt, has led us back to dumsor. The best government can do is eat a humble pie, take responsibility for the problem and work to address it. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I’m aware that businesses and households cannot plan because of the erratic power situation”.

    “While citizens demand a schedule to enable them to plan, which is the least the responsible government should be doing, Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who was one of the frontline participants of the ‘Dumsor must stop’ campaign while in opposition, is reported to have said, those asking for a load-shedding timetable wish ill for the country, and they should publish their schedule”.

    “This is most disrespectful to Ghanaians and the customers of electric power. There is absolutely no doubt that businesses strive in a stable macroeconomic environment where revenue measures are designed to motivate the local production for growth and fiscal consolidation.”

  • Major stakeholders to hold crunch meeting on Saturday over energy sector crisis

    Major stakeholders to hold crunch meeting on Saturday over energy sector crisis

    All major stakeholders in the energy sector are scheduled to appear before Parliament’s Energy Committee this Saturday, April 6, as announced by the Committee’s Chairman, Samuel Atta Akyea.

    In an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Atta Akyea explained that the meeting was prompted by recent power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor‘, experienced in various parts of the country.

    The gathering of key players in the energy sector, including representatives from Ghana Gas, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Energy Commission, and the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, accompanied by his technical team, aims to comprehensively address the current challenges in the energy value chain.

    Mr. Atta Akyea stressed the importance of evidence-based discussions over mere propaganda, highlighting the Committee’s commitment to identifying the root causes of the power outages and formulating effective solutions to resolve them.

    “It is important to know that the Energy Committee wants to interrogate this matter critically… You cannot do propaganda with facts. If you do not have the power, you can’t conjure noise to bring the power,” he said on Tuesday.

    The Chairman also highlighted the expertise and research conducted by committee members, expressing confidence that a collaborative effort among stakeholders would lead to tangible solutions.

    “You need to own up as to why we are having these challenges then those who are experts will say “These are the obvious challenges, and these are the solutions,” that is when we come back to normalcy and we can have enough electricity to export as we have done before.”

    Ghana has been dealing with inconsistent electricity supply recently, causing disruptions in various sectors and inconveniences for consumers.

  • ‘Dumsor’ is as a result of faulty machines – Prince David Osei

    ‘Dumsor’ is as a result of faulty machines – Prince David Osei

    Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei delved into the ongoing intermittent power outages (dumsor) in Ghana.

    Osei, known for his activism during the #DumsorMustStop campaign in 2015, where he was a prominent figure challenging the John Dramani Mahama administration, spoke candidly about the current power challenges.

    Attributing the outages to faulty machinery this time, Osei acknowledged that many Ghanaians, including himself, have experienced these disruptions, stating, “We all felt it.”

    Drawing a comparison with a recent power outage incident in Toronto, Canada, Osei emphasized that the root cause of Ghana’s power woes lies in malfunctioning equipment owned by power suppliers and distributors.

    He highlighted a publication from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) claiming a stable national power supply and attributing outages to ‘localised faults,’ urging for improved communication from ECG to notify affected citizens about potential outages in the future.

    “The whole of downtown Toronto, Canada, went off recently. There was a blackout. So once you are dealing with equipment, you are dealing with machines, and things can fail,” Prince David Osei stated.

    The actor’s insights shed light on the technical challenges contributing to Ghana’s power interruptions and underscored the importance of proactive communication from authorities to manage public expectations during such times.

    Watch video below:

  • ‘Dumsor’ spoils many medical equipment, UPS at KATH

    ‘Dumsor’ spoils many medical equipment, UPS at KATH

    In recent weeks, intermittent power cuts have wreaked havoc on medical equipment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), including its vital Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system.

    This system, which relies on integrated batteries to provide power during outages, has suffered due to the sporadic nature of the disruptions.

    As a result, essential hospital machinery has broken down, severely impacting productivity and healthcare delivery.

    The unannounced power outages have also caused damage to lifesaving equipment dependent on a consistent power supply.

    At the Manhyia Government Hospital, similar challenges have been faced, with the facility forced to rely on standby generators to maintain operations during power interruptions.

    The frequent on-off cycles and voltage fluctuations have further exacerbated the situation, causing additional strain on hospital resources and equipment.

  • No more dumsor – ECG declares

    No more dumsor – ECG declares

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has declared that the national power grid is now stable, marking an end to the persistent outages across the country.

    In a statement released on March 29, 2024, the power distribution company stated that any power supply disruptions experienced by customers are due to localized faults.

    It urged affected customers to report such incidents to its dedicated contact center for prompt resolution and restoration of power supply.

    While apologizing for any inconveniences caused, the ECG extended warm wishes to its customers for a fruitful Easter celebration.

    Recent weeks have seen heightened pressure and scrutiny on the ECG from both customers and businesses, demanding the issuance of a load-shedding timetable as power outages escalate.

    In response, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has mandated the ECG to furnish and publicize a comprehensive load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024.

    However, the Ministry of Energy, representing the government, has refuted claims of a power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, currently plaguing the nation.

  • PURC contemplating regulatory action against ECG for failing to release ‘dumsor’ timetable

    PURC contemplating regulatory action against ECG for failing to release ‘dumsor’ timetable

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has noted that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has not complied with its directive to publish a load-shedding timetable that corresponds with the timelines and duration for each transformer injection.

    According to the regulator, there is no evidence of the load management timetable being made public.

    As a result, the Commission stated that it is in the process of finalizing regulatory action regarding this issue.

    There has been increasing pressure on the state power distributor to release the timetable, especially in light of the erratic power supply (Dumsor) being experienced in various parts of the country.

    Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has reassured the public that the national grid remains stable.

    In a press release issued on Easter Friday, the power distributor attributed recent power outages in certain areas to localized faults.

  • No more power challenges – ECG declares

    No more power challenges – ECG declares

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has declared that the national power grid is now stable, marking an end to the persistent outages across the country.

    In a statement released on March 29, 2024, the power distribution company stated that any power supply disruptions experienced by customers are due to localized faults.

    It urged affected customers to report such incidents to its dedicated contact center for prompt resolution and restoration of power supply.

    While apologizing for any inconveniences caused, the ECG extended warm wishes to its customers for a fruitful Easter celebration.

    Recent weeks have seen heightened pressure and scrutiny on the ECG from both customers and businesses, demanding the issuance of a load-shedding timetable as power outages escalate.

    In response, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has mandated the ECG to furnish and publicize a comprehensive load-shedding timetable by April 2, 2024.

    However, the Ministry of Energy, representing the government, has refuted claims of a power crisis, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, currently plaguing the nation.

  • Provide a ‘dumsor’ timetable, electricity has no party colours – Atta Akyea tells ECG

    Provide a ‘dumsor’ timetable, electricity has no party colours – Atta Akyea tells ECG

    Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to provide a schedule for the current power outages, known locally as “dumsor.”

    As the Chairman of the Energy Committee of Parliament, Atta Akyea highlighted the lack of prior notice from ECG regarding electricity outages, which often occur abruptly and disrupt activities.

    In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday, the former Works and Housing Minister expressed the need for a timetable to be made available.

    He emphasized that having a schedule would allow people to anticipate and adjust to the unstable electricity supply, enabling them to plan their activities accordingly.

    “People will plan around the timetable available, people will know whether to iron their cloths ahead of time, when they should cook and store it in the fridge,” he added.

    Mr. Akyea emphasized the importance of ECG providing a timetable for the power outages, stating that Ghanaians would prefer having a schedule rather than experiencing random power cuts whenever ECG wishes to turn off the lights. He highlighted that the current practice of unpredictable power cuts is highly undesirable.

    “So no matter the permutation, I’m of the humble view that we need a timetable, until the situation will normalise, then you take off the timetable.”

    While government officials have mostly avoided acknowledging the challenges in the power sector, Mr. Atta Akyea, a member of the governing party, has emphasized that electricity generation is not a partisan issue.

    “Electricity generation has no party colours. I want to stress that because at the end of the day if you are NPP you will consume electricity, if you are NDC you will consume electricity, so it only professional to say we are having challenges, but because of the hard fact that we don’t want to inconvenience you unduly, this is the plan, you can enjoy electricity at this time, then people will plan around the timetable available” he argued.

  • 100 notices informing the public about power outage was issued by us since January – ECG to PURC

    100 notices informing the public about power outage was issued by us since January – ECG to PURC

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has revealed that it issued more than 100 notifications of power outages during the initial quarter of 2024.

    The majority of these notifications were aimed at facilitating maintenance activities on its transmission equipment, as stated by the power distributor.

    This disclosure came in response to a query dated March 18 from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) requesting ECG to provide “copies of ECG publications informing the general public of power outages from 1 January 2024 to date.”

    Numerous regions across the country have been encountering frequent power interruptions, leading to calls from the public for a load-shedding timetable to aid in planning daily activities.

    However, ECG management has reiterated that no schedule will be provided, attributing the interruptions to technical issues.

    Furthermore, in its directive dated March 18, the PURC instructed ECG to release a load management schedule by April 2, 2024.

  • Power outages due to localised faults, we have a stable national grid – ECG

    Power outages due to localised faults, we have a stable national grid – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has reassured the public that the national grid remains stable.

    In a press release issued on Easter Friday, the power distributor attributed recent power outages in certain areas to localized faults.

    ECG urged its customers to report such faults for prompt action.

    “The Electricity Company of Ghana wishes to inform our cherished customers and the general public that we have a stable national power supply (stable national grid).”

    “Any customer who is currently experiencing power outage is due to a localised fault.”

    Earlier, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disclosed that it had issued over 100 power outage notifications in the first two and a half months of this year, mostly due to maintenance activities.

    This disclosure was in response to an inquiry from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) regarding the ECG’s power outage records for the current year.

    Of the three inquiries posed to the power distributor, this response was the only one due by March 27th. Key among the PURC’s requests to the ECG was the provision of a schedule for load shedding.

  • Take all health facilities out of your ‘dumsor’ list – Minority tells govt

    Take all health facilities out of your ‘dumsor’ list – Minority tells govt

    Minority in Parliament is calling for health facilities to be spared from the ongoing unannounced and unscheduled electricity load shedding conducted by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Additionally, they are pushing for an audit to assess the capacity and dependability of backup power systems in hospitals.

    “The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with relevant agencies, must, without delay, exempt all health facilities nationwide from the current unannounced and unscheduled electricity load shedding and power outages.”

    “The Ministry of Health working in tandem with the Ghana Health Service should audit all alternate power supply systems within health facilities to determine their capacity and reliability in handling electricity disruptions and procurement of emergency power supply systems should be done if current systems are inadequate,” the caucus stated in a release issued by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and MP for Juaboso on Thursday.

    The Minority expressed concern over reports that the power outages have led to increased morbidity and mortality among patients, particularly those relying on public health facilities.

    “Amid these happenings, the government has refused to heed wise counsel from suffering Ghanaians and businesses to publish a load shedding timetable to enable them to plan their lives. This situation has obviously begun to take a toll on critical healthcare facilities across the country,” it added.

    The caucus strongly argued that during a period of purported surplus capacity, the government’s decision to impose a load-shedding program is deeply unjustified. There is simply no acceptable reason for disrupting electricity supply, particularly to vital health facilities.

    “We therefore demand swift action from relevant authorities to address these critical issues and safeguard the delivery of vital health services to Ghanaians,” it added.

    PRESS-STATEMENT-Hospital-ExemptDownload
  • “My child could not survive because the incubator was not working” – Woman blames ‘dumsor’ for son’s death at Tema General Hospital

    “My child could not survive because the incubator was not working” – Woman blames ‘dumsor’ for son’s death at Tema General Hospital

    Rashida Abubakar Tetteh, a distressed mother whose three-day-old baby tragically passed away, has spoken out about the incident, attributing it to a power outage at the Tema General Hospital on the evening of Tuesday, March 26.

    The 24-year-old mother, currently receiving care in the Post C-S ward of the hospital, shared her heartbreaking experience during an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, March 28.

    She recounted how, upon visiting her newborn son, a doctor informed her that the child could not survive due to the lack of functional medical equipment during the power outage.

    “I went to visit my son but I didn’t see him. I was waiting outside when one doctor came to inform me that they were sorry but due to the lights out, my child could not survive because the incubator was not working.

    “The lights went off on Tuesday evening. No staff has spoken to me, and they haven’t said anything to me,” she narrated.

    Rebecca Johnson, the grandmother of the deceased, also expressed her grief during the same show.

    “It’s painful, they have killed my child because of dumsor; I am in pain. We have nothing to say to the hospital. A hospital like Teme General said they didn’t have petrol in the generator. Is this how we are going to act in this country,” she cried.

    In a press release issued on Wednesday, March 27, the hospital dismissed these claims as baseless and urged the public to disregard them.

    “It is worth noting that no lives were lost as a result of this power outage,” an excerpt of the statement said.

    The statement emphasised the hospital’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its patients above all else.

    “The Tema General Hospital assures the general public that the Facility will continue to put the health and safety of its patients at the core of its business,” the statement concluded.

  • “There is something mysteriously amiss somewhere” – Gabby on ‘dumsor’

    “There is something mysteriously amiss somewhere” – Gabby on ‘dumsor’

    Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised concerns about the sudden emergence of erratic power supply, known locally as ‘dumsor’, just months before the general elections.

    Mr Otchere-Darko questioned why the government, which had successfully provided stable electricity for the past seven years, was now facing challenges in the energy sector.

    In a Facebook post, Mr. Otchere-Darko remarked, “There is something mysteriously amiss somewhere. You have managed to keep the lights on for 7 years, even during the height of the economic crisis in 2022. Why now? Still scratching my head…”

    The power outages have been causing disruptions in various parts of the country, affecting businesses and daily activities. Despite these challenges, the government has maintained that there is no need for a timetable to assist people in planning their daily routines.

    Meanwhile, the National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo Esq., also known as Pablo, has condemned the government for failing to pay the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) what it owes them.

    He believes the current erratic power supply is due to debt owed IPPs and not faulty distribution transformers.

    “You’re shedding load because you’ve incompetently mismanaged the energy sector yet you wouldn’t take responsibility and fix things. Pay the IPP’s, it’s not faulty distribution transformers!”

    The power sector is likely to experience an exacerbated debt of about $1.8 billion to the Independent Power Producers by 2024, the Chamber of Independent Power Generators has disclosed.

  • ECG snubs PURC’s order to release ‘dumsor’ timetable

    ECG snubs PURC’s order to release ‘dumsor’ timetable

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has missed the deadline to provide a load-shedding timetable as mandated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) amidst ongoing power outages.

    The PURC had instructed the ECG to deliver a detailed report covering power outages from January 1, 2024, onwards, including information on load curtailment, energy shortages, and affected customers.

    Despite the seven-day ultimatum given by the PURC, the ECG has failed to submit the required report, risking potential sanctions from the regulatory body.

    The failure to address these crucial issues may lead to penalties being imposed on the power distribution company, as cautioned by the PURC.

  • Why now? You kept the lights on for 7 years – Gabby asks Akufo-Addo

    Why now? You kept the lights on for 7 years – Gabby asks Akufo-Addo

    A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has expressed suspicion regarding the nationwide erratic power supply, known locally as ‘dumsor‘.

    He questioned why the government was able to provide stable electricity to Ghanaians for the past seven years, only for unstable power supply to emerge just months before the general elections.

    In a Facebook post, Mr. Otchere-Darko remarked, “There is something mysteriously amiss somewhere. You have managed to keep the lights on for 7 years, even during the height of the economic crisis in 2022. Why now? Still scratching my head…”

    Ghana is currently facing challenges in its energy sector, with frequent power outages affecting various parts of the country.

    Despite this, the government has maintained that Ghanaians do not need a timetable to help them plan their daily activities.

  • ECG officers assess distribution transformers amid ‘dumsor’

    ECG officers assess distribution transformers amid ‘dumsor’

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has initiated an exercise to inspect various power transformers nationwide, aiming to identify and rectify faults to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

    These integrity checks on transformers are crucial for identifying those operating at full capacity and in need of upgrades, which will help maintain a steady power supply.

    The upgrades to transformers operating at full capacity are expected to play a significant role in ensuring a reliable power supply.

    The ECG has begun upgrading transformers in areas where high demand has led to full capacity. As part of this effort, 630 faulty transformers have been identified in various communities across the country.

    These checks are crucial in identifying faults that may be contributing to recent power outages. Benjamin Antwi, the ECG PRO for Ashanti West, explained that the inspections target both ground-mounted and poll-mounted transformers to identify overloads for replacement.

    “When our team visits the transformer they will check the integrity of the transformer to see if the fuses are intact. this will help us know the actual load on a transformer and identify those reaching its capacity for us to put measures in place to upgrade them” he said.

    Mr. Antwi indicated that upon identifying faulty transformers, the exercise will contribute to efforts to sustain power.

    “Once we identify a transformer getting to its full capacity we will replace them by bringing a bigger transformer. once we can load the transformer to a much bigger capacity, we can accommodate any load that is coming on board that will help us keep the lights on” he indicated.

    Benjamin Antwi admonished customers to desist from tempering with the distribution transformers but rather channel their concerns to the ECG for redress.

  • Pay IPPs what you owe them and stop ‘faulty distribution transformers’ agenda – NDC’s Pablo tells gov’t

    Pay IPPs what you owe them and stop ‘faulty distribution transformers’ agenda – NDC’s Pablo tells gov’t

    The National Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare Addo Esq., also known as Pablo, has condemned the government for failing to pay the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) what it owes them.

    He believes the current erratic power supply is due to debt owed IPPs and not faulty distribution transformers.

    “You’re shedding load because you’ve incompetently mismanaged the energy sector yet you wouldn’t take responsibility and fix things. Pay the IPP’s, it’s not faulty distribution transformers!”

    The power sector is likely to experience an exacerbated debt of about $1.8 billion to the Independent Power Producers by 2024, the Chamber of Independent Power Generators has disclosed.

    Mr Opare Addo made this statement in a post on X while reacting to a report indicating the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has started an exercise to check on various power transformers across the country to identify and fix faults that can help sustain power.

    He blamed Ghanaians for failing to elect the right leaders, hence the mismanagement of the energy sector.

    “I blame y’all for this nonsense. Y’all who queued and voted for Akuffo Addo and Bawumia twice are accomplices of this sheer disrespect to our intelligence.”

    Meanwhile, ECG’s integrity checks on the transformers will help identify actual loads and others that need upgrades upon reaching their full capacity.

  • NDC lost 2016 elections due to ‘dumsor’ – CDD-Ghana

    NDC lost 2016 elections due to ‘dumsor’ – CDD-Ghana

    Co-founder of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has suggested that the frequent power outages in 2016 contributed to the electoral victory of the then-opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost to the NPP.

    His remarks come as Ghana experiences a resurgence of these outages, commonly known as ‘Dumsor,’ in another election year.

    Speaking on JoyNews on March 28, the professor expressed serious concern about the recent impact of this situation on electricity supply to the Tema General Hospital.

    “At times, I wonder whether there is any organization so to speak in what we do and whether public professionals are mindful of how citizens feel because the reaction is coming from all over. In fact, the one that you read from the hospital reminds me of what is going on in Gaza, where there is a brutal war against Palestinians and hospitals we show on the street, where babies are dying, but here we are; we are not in a war condition. We have experienced this before; why will we sit down eight years later and have a repeat?” he quizzed on the AM Show.

    He emphasized that the government must be more transparent with citizens so that they can collaborate to find a solution.

    Prof. Agyeman-Duah stated that while the current situation is unacceptable, citizens would be more understanding if the government were open and honest with them.

    “But when there is no transparency in how our public sector provides our services, then, of course, we are going to have all this kind of speculation, but it is such a tragic situation for a government that came to power by and large with this kind of problem under the previous government.

    “You come in eight years, and you come back to zero. That for me is a tragedy; it means this country either does not learn, we do not go forward, or we have people who are running our affairs; we are not competent,” he said.

  • No baby has died over dumsor at Tema General Hospital – Management

    No baby has died over dumsor at Tema General Hospital – Management

    Tema General Hospital has issued a response to a circulating video depicting infants reportedly in distress at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to a power outage at the facility two days ago.

    According to reports, the hospital faced an unreliable power supply, posing a risk to the lives of the newborns.

    In the viral footage, a nurse captured the moment the hospital experienced a blackout and detailed how the power failure endangered the lives of babies in incubators.

    It was alleged that one newborn lost its life as a result of the power disruption.

    The video sparked widespread outcry on social media platforms, with many urging the government to address the power crisis to prevent further loss of lives.

    However, in a statement, Tema General Hospital has disputed claims of fatalities due to the power outage.

    The hospital clarified that the incident occurred when electricity from the national grid was interrupted, prompting the facility to activate its power backup system.

    Management explained that although the dedicated generator for the NICU experienced a brief malfunction, the hospital’s electricians swiftly rectified the issue, ensuring power supply to the unit until the national grid resumed operation.

    Read full statement:

  • Dumsor allegedly claims life of a baby at Tema General Hospital

    Dumsor allegedly claims life of a baby at Tema General Hospital

    A newborn has tragically passed away at Tema General Hospital, reportedly due to the inconsistent power supply situation at the facility, as reported by GHOne TV based in Accra.

    According to GHOne TV’s social media post on March 27, 2024, “Erratic power cut on Tuesday evening plunged the neonatal unit of Tema General Hospital into chaos, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of a newborn,” the channel posted on social media on March 27, 2024.

    “The neonatal unit, where infants requiring intensive care are housed, relies heavily on electricity to sustain life-saving equipment such as oxygen support and emergency care devices. The generator intended to provide backup power for the unit is prone to shutting down when overloaded,” their post added.

    The neonatal unit, dedicated to caring for infants requiring intensive care, heavily relies on electricity to operate life-saving equipment such as oxygen support and emergency care devices.

    Unfortunately, the backup generator meant to provide power during outages is prone to shutting down when overloaded, exacerbating the situation.

    This incident occurred shortly after a video of the blackout went viral on social media platforms, sparking public outrage amidst ongoing power blackouts across the country.

    In the circulating video, the neonatal ward is shown in darkness due to the power outage. A voice, presumably that of a hospital staff member, provides context to the dire situation, stating, “There is a blackout here at the Tema General Hospital. This baby is on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), and all of it has gone off.”

    The staff member further highlights the gravity of the situation, expressing concern for up to 10 babies in critical condition due to the lack of power. This footage underscores the harsh reality of the impact of the power crisis on healthcare facilities.

    In another video captured at the hospital, mothers are seen fanning their babies with cloth to alleviate the heat in the wards following the electricity outage.

    Despite public demands for a load-shedding schedule to help citizens cope with the crisis, both the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Company of Ghana have remained steadfast in their refusal, insisting that the situation does not warrant a timetable.

    In a recent interview, Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, responded to calls for a timetable by suggesting that those advocating for one should create their own if they believe there is a power outage schedule.

    His remarks have drawn criticism from some quarters, who view them as insensitive to the challenges faced by Ghanaians.

  • PURC makes public its orders to ECG

    PURC makes public its orders to ECG

    Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has provided an update on the progress of directives issued to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on March 19, 2024.

    According to the PURC, three out of the five tasks assigned to the power distribution company have been completed.

    Earlier, the Commission had mandated ECG to submit a comprehensive report on various aspects of its operations, including tariff revenue allocation and regulatory audit data, by April 2, 2024.

    Additionally, ECG was instructed to distribute funds from the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) by March 25, 2024.

    These directives were issued under Sections 3 and 24 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538), in response to concerns raised by the PURC regarding declining service quality and increased power outages across ECG service areas since January 1, 2024.

    However, in a press release dated March 26, PURC disclosed that ECG has yet to fulfill its obligation of making payments to energy sector players along the electricity value chain.

    The statement further stressed that “PURC shall validate all payments made along the electricity value chain for an approval month and publish it on the PURC website not later than the second week of the following month.”

    But this validation can only be done when payments to the energy sector players have been completed.

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  • Stop trivializing power crisis with politics – Ben Nsiah to Energy Minister

    Stop trivializing power crisis with politics – Ben Nsiah to Energy Minister

    Energy analyst, Benjamin Nsiah has strongly rebuked Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his dismissive response to the concerns of the majority of Ghanaians regarding the ongoing power sector crisis.

    In the wake of Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s widely criticized comments on the current erratic power supply, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, Ghanaians have vocally expressed their discontent over the past 24 hours.

    During a media interview at the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, the Sector Minister claimed that the current NPP government had managed the energy sector “300 times better” than the previous Mahama Administration.

    “300 times better” than that of the erstwhile Mahama Administration. Dr. Opoku Prempeh, in a seemingly flippant response to a journalist’s inquiry, suggested that those seeking a timetable should provide one themselves “Ask those who want it to bring it if there is,” the Manhyia South MP told the journalists.

    “I haven’t seen any timetable,” he noted, adding: “The Electricity Company of Ghana says that there’s no timetable coming,” so “why do you want to bring a timetable?” “For what purpose? Why would somebody wake up and wish for evil and wish bad for the country?” he indicated.

    Responding flippantly to a journalist’s inquiry about the crisis, he suggested that those seeking a timetable should create one themselves, stating, “Ask those who want it to bring it if there is one.”

    Benjamin Nsiah, in an interview with Class News, condemned Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s remarks as “sickening” and emphasized the Minister’s responsibility to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

    Mr Nsiah urged the Minister to move beyond political blame games and focus on practical solutions for the energy sector’s challenges.

    He emphasized the need for increased investment in the power sector to enhance infrastructure and ensure its resilience against future challenges.

    Mr Nsiah stressed that addressing Ghana’s energy issues should transcend political considerations, highlighting the importance of pragmatic approaches to resolve the crisis.

  • Video: Babies’ survival at risk as ‘dumsor’ plunges Tema General Hospital

    Video: Babies’ survival at risk as ‘dumsor’ plunges Tema General Hospital

    Amid the ongoing power crisis plaguing the nation, a disturbing video has surfaced on social media revealing the dire consequences of the electricity shortage on healthcare delivery, particularly at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tema General Hospital.

    The video, which circulated on GhanaWeb, portrays the ward submerged in darkness due to the absence of electricity supply. Although the exact date of the recording remains unclear, a voice believed to be that of a hospital staff member provided context.

    In the video, the staff member lamented the outage, highlighting the critical situation faced by newborns relying on medical equipment like the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

    She expressed concern over the lack of essential equipment like flow meters, warning of the heightened risk of losing multiple infants if power was not restored promptly.

    Furthermore, she disclosed that the unit was operating at full capacity, with approximately ten babies in critical condition.

    “There is lights out here at the Tema General Hospital. This baby is on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and all of it have gone off. While there is oxygen available, there is no flow meter to connect… If we don’t get light in few minutes, the probability that we might lose a lot of babies is high,” she stated.

    This footage sheds light on the harsh reality of the power crisis and its detrimental effects on healthcare services.

    Despite growing public demands for a load-shedding schedule to help citizens cope with the situation, both the Ministry of Energy and the Electricity Company of Ghana have remained firm in their stance, rejecting the need for a timetable.

    In a recent interview, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh dismissed calls for a schedule, suggesting that those advocating for one should create their own if they believe “dumsor” exists.

    His remarks have drawn criticism from some quarters, with many labeling them as insensitive to the suffering of the Ghanaian populace.

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  • Keli Gadzekpo steps down as ECG board chair amid power crisis

    Keli Gadzekpo steps down as ECG board chair amid power crisis

    The Chair of the Board at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Keli Gadzekpo, has submitted his resignation.

    Effective immediately, Gadzekpo’s departure is attributed to personal reasons.

    Appointed to the Board in 2017 by then Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, Gadzekpo played a crucial role in ensuring energy sufficiency.

    A seasoned entrepreneur, he has played pivotal roles in various companies, notably the Databank Group of Companies, encompassing Databank Asset Management Services and Databank Epack Investment Fund Ltd.

    With over two decades of experience in investment banking, Gadzekpo currently serves as the Chair of the Board for Enterprise Group.

    Additionally, he heads the Databank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Databank Group.

    Educated at Achimota School, Gadzekpo holds a BSc in Accounting from Brigham Young University and is a CPA from the USA.

    He furthered his education as a Mason Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, earning a master’s degree in Public Administration.

    While citing personal reasons in his resignation letter, reports suggest that his departure coincides with recent erratic power supply in the country, prompting calls for the ECG to release a load shedding management schedule.

  • NAPO doesn’t care about how people feel – Edward Bawa reacts to ‘dumsor’ timetable comment

    NAPO doesn’t care about how people feel – Edward Bawa reacts to ‘dumsor’ timetable comment

    A member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Edward Bawa, has expressed his disappointment with Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s comments regarding the need for a load-shedding timetable by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    Dr. Prempeh also known as NAPO challenged those advocating for ECG to issue a load-shedding timetable to come up with their own proposed schedules.

    At the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, he urged critics to create their own timetable if they believe it’s necessary. He questioned the rationale behind creating a timetable when ECG has stated that there is no such plan in place.

    In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Bawa indicated that the Energy Minister’s comments demonstrated the government’s lack of concern for Ghanaians.

    “First and foremost, let me state that the comment by Honourable Matthew Opoku Prempeh is very unfortunate. It is a sign that we have a group of people who simply cannot care about how people feel. You can feel arrogance in his comments. You can feel disrespect for even the people who made you, who by their grace made you who you are in terms of being a minister of state,” he stated.

    He also suggested that the Minister’s remarks revealed his anger and disrespect towards Ghanaians who have contributed to his current position.

  • Ghana’s power situation to deteriorate in 2025 – IES

    Ghana’s power situation to deteriorate in 2025 – IES

    The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has indicated that Ghana’s power situation would worsen by 2025 if not addressed promptly.

    Speaking to Citi News he stated that “From 2025, the situation is going to get worse. Because your debt in the sector is increasing every day. Money or cash in the power sector is like the lubrication in your car, Bernard, so it goes up. When you don’t have enough lubrication in your system, what happens is that there is friction, and there will be tears. When that happens, there is going to be a collapse in the sector [which] is almost collapsed.

    “It is going to be worse. And why we believe it’s going to be worse is that the managers are not even admitting the problem. The first point to solving your problem is knowing the problem, admitting and finding ways to resolve it,” he stated.

    His warning comes amidst ongoing challenges with intermittent power outages, locally known as “dumsor.”

    In light of these interruptions, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) instructed ECG to devise a load-shedding schedule. 

    Nonetheless, ECG asserted that there is no power crisis, citing faulty transformers as the cause of the unstable supply.

    However, ECG contends there is no power crisis, attributing the unstable supply to faulty transformers.

    In a rebuttal, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh rejected claims of “dumsor,” urging the public to create their own timetable if they perceive a crisis.

    John Jinapor argued that the energy sector grapples with generation challenges affecting distribution. 

    He recommended  that PURC prioritize improving generation instead of enforcing a load-shedding schedule.

    Speaking to the media, Mr Jinapor criticized the Minister’s response, accusing him of politicizing sector issues.

    Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security, Nana Amoasi VII, echoes Jinapor’s position, asserting that ECG and the Energy Ministry have a duty to furnish a timetable amid outages.

    Nana Amoasi VII condemned the Minister’s dismissal of calls for a timetable, suggesting it reflects a lack of awareness and disrespect for consumers’ rights.

    “I am very, very surprised even at the PURC directive because the main problem is generation, it has nothing to do with transformers. I thought that the PURC would have done its investigation to indeed determine that there is a generation shortfall.

    “If there is a generation shortfall, the outage that occurs at the bulk supply point is controlled by GRIDCo. So GRIDCo will then have to inform ECG which bulk supply point will go off, then ECG will inform its consumers. As we speak there is a deficit in terms of generation and until that is resolved we will continue to have the load shedding we are experiencing.”

    “I am very shocked and surprised that the minister would give such contradictory and counter instructions. He should know better that we are shedding load, and even in his interview, he couldn’t refute it. He admitted that yes, they are shedding load, but in his opinion, it is better than during President Mahama’s time. And so what? That is the question. Let’s assume it’s better, so people should not be given a timetable to plan because, in the minister’s opinion, it is better.

    “If you admit there is load-shedding, give the people the timetable to plan. And when the people request that the outages are becoming too frequent, give us the timetable to plan, the minister says ‘that those requesting the timetable should go and prepare the timetable themselves. It is extremely unfortunate, very insulting,” he added.

  • You want to break the 8 with this arrogant and phony attitude – Coach Opeele on NAPO’s dumsor comments

    You want to break the 8 with this arrogant and phony attitude – Coach Opeele on NAPO’s dumsor comments

    Former coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Isaac Adade Opeele Boateng, also known as Coach Opeele, expressed bewilderment at the comments made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy, regarding the current power situation in the country.

    The former assistant coach of the national U-17 team was surprised by the remarks made by the minister, commonly referred to as NAPO, on Monday, March 25, 2024.

    Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account to react, Coach Opeele posted, “I am speechless! SMH.”

    In a subsequent tweet, Coach Opeele cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) about the potential consequences if their members are not disciplined.

    Known for his vocal support of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, Coach Opeele emphasized that “arrogance and self-aggrandizement” could hinder the NPP’s chances of success in the upcoming elections.

    “Phony, unaccountable, untrustworthy and arrogant attitudes would not break the 8. NPP UNEXPECTEDLY won power from the NDC in 2016 and proclaimed, ‘Ghanaians are not fools. In 2024, Ghanaians won’t be fools to vote for a display of arrogance and self-aggrandisement! Be humble,” he stated.

    Coach Opeele’s remarks come in response to statements made by the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, suggesting that Ghanaians requesting a load-shedding timetable should devise one themselves.

    In a seemingly lighthearted response to a journalist’s question, captured in a video shared by JoyNews on X, the minister expressed his belief that there is no necessity for a timetable when the power distributor claims that the current situation in the country does not warrant one.

    “Ask those who want it to bring it, if there is one. I haven’t seen any timetable,” he stated.

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh had earlier denied that the country has returned to the days of dumsor, as the erratic power supply in the country under John Dramani Mahama was referred to.

    “If we are comparing four years, four years, NPP administration’s energy sector is 300 times better than John Mahama… it’s far much better than John Mahama ever did…

    “I’ve promised you that we are going to work on it and it’s not a work that is a single event; it’s a process, and we’ll continue to work on it for the energy sector to become better,” he stated.

  • NAPO is very rude ! Netizens blast minister over answers to questions on dumsor

    NAPO is very rude ! Netizens blast minister over answers to questions on dumsor

    Ghana’s Energy Sector Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) has attracted the rage of netizens after a video of his responses and reaction to questions on the recent power outages the country is currently facing popped up.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, Dr Opoku Prempeh sent a message to Ghanaians who have called for a load-shedding timetable due to the erratic power supply those in need of one should create one for themselves since they badly need one.

    According to him, there is no need for a timetable, especially when the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has said otherwise.

    He made the disclosure during a media engagement on March 25, 2024.

    See reactions below:

  • Video: That is the word you used, I have never used that word – See NAPO’s ‘attitude’ to questions on dumsor

    Video: That is the word you used, I have never used that word – See NAPO’s ‘attitude’ to questions on dumsor

    Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO’s posture and attitude during a media engagement on Ghana’s recent power outages has sparked fierce debate on social media.

    During an interview at a random event on March 25, 2024, the minister was questioned about the recent power outages and the measures his outfit was taking to resolve the problem.

    In his response, he admitted that the country has for the past few weeks, been experiencing power outages but his ministry was working on it.

    After admitting to dumsor in his first response on the question;

    Journalist said, “But we are still experiencing dumsor.”

    NAPO: Nobody has said we haven’t. I’m just saying it’s much more better than what John Mahama did.”

    However, he appeared to dissociate himself from using the word ‘dumsor’ in his earlier response.

    NAPO: That is the word you used. I never used that. I promised you we were going to work on it. It is not a work that is a single event.

    If you are comparing four years-four years NPP administration, the energy sector is three hundred times better than John Mahama. Nobody has said we haven’t but I’m just saying that its far better than what John Mahama ever did”.

  • Why not come up with your own since you are eager for one – NAPO to Ghanaians on dumsor timetable

    Why not come up with your own since you are eager for one – NAPO to Ghanaians on dumsor timetable

    Minister of Energy Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh says those calling for a load-shedding timetable should release one themselves.

    He made these remarks during a media engagement on March 25, 2024, after questions about when a load-shedding timetable would be released following the recent power outages the country has been experiencing.

    NAPO in response, said, “Ask those who want it to bring it, if there is , I haven’t seen any timetable. When you say bring a timetable, what do you mean.

    The ECG says that there is no timetable so why are you asking for a timetable?” he fumed.

    “Dumsor” is a Ghanaian term that describes the frustrating experience of frequent power outages or load shedding. It originates from the combination of two local languages: “dum,” meaning off, and “sɔ,” meaning on. Essentially, it signifies a situation where electricity is intermittently available, causing disruptions in daily life and economic activities.

    The term gained widespread attention in Ghana as a result of significant challenges in the country’s energy sector. These challenges have led to inconsistent electricity supply, causing frequent and prolonged power outages.

    In response to this issue, many Ghanaians, particularly businesses, have urged the power supply company ECG to provide a timetable for power cuts.

    Having a schedule would enable them to better plan their daily activities amidst the uncertainties of power disruptions.

  • VRA accused of exporting excess power, causing outages – IPGG alleges

    VRA accused of exporting excess power, causing outages – IPGG alleges

    CEO of IPGG, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, stated that the VRA is prioritising exporting power to neighbouring countries, neglecting its domestic responsibilities.

    According to Dr Apetorgbor, although the VRA has been tasked with exploring export markets to alleviate government idle-capacity burdens, it must do so within legal boundaries.

    He emphasised the importance of meeting domestic demand while maintaining the required 18% reserve margin.

    Dr Apetorgbor criticised the VRA for exporting hydro-generated electricity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin while Ghanaian taxpayers bear the cost of expensive thermal generation, leading to power cuts.

    He highlighted that over 200MW is consistently exported, which he deemed illogical.

    Meanwhile, citizens, businesses, and households across various parts of the country have been enduring prolonged intermittent power outages.

  • Failure of past governments caused dumsor and not Mahama – Sammy Gyamfi

    Failure of past governments caused dumsor and not Mahama – Sammy Gyamfi


    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has countered assertions suggesting that former President John Dramani Mahama bears responsibility for the recent power outages, commonly termed as ‘dumsor.’

    Amid concerns over intermittent power cuts experienced in various parts of the country, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has assured the public that there is no immediate need for a load-shedding schedule.

    However, the NDC has criticized the government’s handling of the ‘dumsor’ situation and has called for a timetable to address it.

    During an interview on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi TV, Sammy Gyamfi attributed the sporadic power outages to issues inherited from previous administrations. He stressed that ‘dumsor’ was not instigated by John Dramani Mahama or the NDC.

    Gyamfi recalled instances of ‘dumsor’ during past administrations and linked the problem to insufficient investment in power generation to meet escalating demand.

  • Man loses €3k online job due to internet outage in Ghana

    Man loses €3k online job due to internet outage in Ghana

    A man’s remote job that promised a salary of €3k was abruptly terminated due to recent internet issues in the country (Ghana).

    Although the internet outage was a significant factor, the man also mentioned that power outage known locally as Dumsor played a role in the termination of his contract.

    The man had secured a remote job in Germany with the attractive salary package but was unexpectedly informed of the termination via phone call.

    Initially hoping for sympathy, he was instead notified that his contract was being terminated due to concerns about his reliability.

    See post below:





  • Video: ‘Dumsor’ manifests on live TV during interview

    Video: ‘Dumsor’ manifests on live TV during interview

    Viewers of TV3 were treated to an unexpected spectacle during a live interview when a power outage occurred, leaving the guest, Editor at Kotoko Express Jerome Otchere, in the dark.

    The incident unfolded as Jerome Otchere was engaged in a discussion on the television program. Suddenly, the lights in his vicinity went off, plunging him into darkness mid-conversation.

    The host of the show, Ghana Tonight, Alfred Akrofi ocansey, was visibly taken aback by the sudden turn of events, reacting with surprise, he exclaimed, “Wow Jerome, your lights are off? Hello, okay, hmm. Jerome Otchere’s light just went off.”

    The unexpected interruption, reminiscent of the recurring power outages, locally referred to as ‘dumsor,’ has sparked a mix of reactions among some social media users, with many expressing amusement at the timing of the incident.

    Watch video below:

  • We have moved from “dumsor” to the era of “Dum Sie Sie” – Energy minister to Ghanaians

    We have moved from “dumsor” to the era of “Dum Sie Sie” – Energy minister to Ghanaians


    Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has moved to allay concerns among Ghanaians regarding the recurrence of power outages reminiscent of the Dumsor era.

    Numerous complaints, particularly on social media platforms, have surfaced regarding the irregular power supply experienced across the country.

    Many citizens perceive this as a return to the Dumsor era, a period marked by frequent power cuts during John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

    However, the government is hesitant to acknowledge this situation fully, fearing potential implications for their electoral prospects.

    Addressing attendees at the Africa Energy Technology Conference, Dr. Opoku Prempeh outlined that Ghana has transitioned from the Dumsor era to what he terms “Dum Sie Sie.”

    This new phase involves scheduled power outages for routine maintenance and repairs, rather than prolonged periods of unpredictability in power supply.

    “When it comes to electricity we’ve been challenged for some time. Before His Excellency got into office, we faced a challenge where we literally got three days off and one day on…We’ve moved from Dumsor, we are in a situation called “Dum Sie Sie”.

  • We can’t give a timetable because what you’re experiencing is not dumsor – ECG over recent power outages

    We can’t give a timetable because what you’re experiencing is not dumsor – ECG over recent power outages

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has stated that despite recent power disruptions, there is no need for implementing a load-shedding timetable.

    Laila Abubakar, the External Communications Manager at ECG, clarified that the current power supply challenges in the country do not warrant the introduction of a load-shedding schedule.

    Abubakar emphasized that various factors may contribute to the recent power outages, but the traditional ‘dumsor’ phenomenon has not returned.

    “The thing is, we just want people to be aware that when your power goes off, it is not always a matter of load shedding. There are several issues and there are some of them that fall before the doorsteps of ECG. We are doing as much as possible to solve the ones that we can.

    “There aren’t any issues with shedding load. The load shed, I think is what people understand by ‘Dumsor’. But usually, when someone asks me if, there is Dumsor, I ask them what do you understand and what do you think ‘Dumsor’ means. Unfortunately, there wouldn’t be a timetable.”

  • Blown fuses in transformers might cause peak period blackouts – ECG

    Blown fuses in transformers might cause peak period blackouts – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed the intermittent power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ occurring between 7 p.m and 11 p.m., to blown fuses in transformers.

    According to a statement released by ECG, 630 distribution transformers in various communities across their operational areas have been identified as operating at full capacity due to heightened demand.

    The statement explains, “This situation may result in blown fuses and broken conductors causing outages, especially during the peak load period (7 p.m.–11 p.m.) in the affected areas.

    “However, we wish to assure our customers that transformer upgrading and new projects are ongoing to relieve these transformers to ensure a more reliable power supply.

    Customers residing in the listed communities/localities are urged to promptly report any localized outages or voltage fluctuations to the ECG call center at 0302-611611 (also available on WhatsApp).

    “Customers within the underlisted communities/localities are therefore advised to report any localised outage or voltage fluctuations to the ECG call center on 0302-611611 (also available on WhatsApp) or reach us on our social media handles via ECGghOfficial (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for prompt rectification,” it added.

    Additionally, they can contact ECG via their social media handles at ECGghOfficial (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for swift resolution, as indicated in segments of the statement.

  • Acknowledge the existence of ‘dumsor’; release a well-defined load-shedding timetable -Mahama to Akufo-Addo

    Acknowledge the existence of ‘dumsor’; release a well-defined load-shedding timetable -Mahama to Akufo-Addo

    Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Mahama, is urging the government to confront the escalating power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ by unveiling a transparent and well-defined load-shedding timetable.

    Recent electrical disruptions across the country have prompted Mahama’s call for openness and accountability.

    Addressing the issue during his “Building the Ghana We Want” Tour in the Upper West region, Mahama emphasised that Ghanaians are well aware of the ongoing load shedding but lack a clear schedule.

    Drawing upon his experience as a former president, Mahama noted that he kept the public informed during his tenure about challenges and the corresponding measures taken to address them.

    Expressing concern, Mahama stated, “When I was president, if things were not going well, I told the people of Ghana that things are not going well and this is what we are trying to do about it. I think my honesty was one of my major problems because I didn’t think I should fool my people.”

    He highlighted the current administration’s lack of transparency in addressing the power issues, asserting that a failure to provide a detailed timetable for load shedding leaves the public in the dark about when to expect outages.

    The seasoned politician explained, “Today, every day you sleep and the lights go off, and we know that they are shedding load. They have a problem with generation. Some generation assets are down. They have a problem with paying for gas. They have a problem with paying for fuel, so every day they are shedding between 280 and 480 megawatts of power, but they will not give us a timetable and say you will be off today, this one will be off tomorrow because that is what Ghanaians know as dumsor.”

    Mahama’s plea underscores the need for a clear strategy to manage the ongoing power challenges and provide citizens with essential information about the timing and duration of outages, effectively addressing the nation’s concerns surrounding ‘dumsor.’

  • ‘Dumsor’ disrupts Ghana vs Ethiopia match at All African Games at Cape Coast Stadium

    ‘Dumsor’ disrupts Ghana vs Ethiopia match at All African Games at Cape Coast Stadium

    Cape Coast Stadium experienced a power outage during a match between the Ghanaian Black Princesses and the Ethiopian team on Saturday, March 9, 2024.

    This disruption occurred during the ongoing All African Games, leaving the stadium without electricity for more than 20 minutes. Sports journalist Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo reported that the power outage occurred approximately 36 minutes into the match.

    “The lights have gone out inside the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, 36 minutes into Ghana vs. Ethiopia. The lights are not back yet after almost 20 minutes of waiting. Waiting continues! This is unacceptable,” he posted on X.

    While power was later restored for the game to continue, the journalist reported that the stadium experienced yet another power cut right before halftime, prompting the referee to end the game.

    “Lights went off again on the stroke of half time, so ref just ended it with some minutes still left of additional time.

    “But lights are back on again as the players emerge for the start of the second half,” he updated his followers.

    The Ghanaian government invested $195 million solely in infrastructure for the games scheduled from March 8, 2024, to March 23, 2024.

    Additionally, an extra $48 million was allocated for operational expenses related to the games. Despite this substantial investment, critics have voiced concerns about the inadequate organisation of the event.

    Despite these criticisms, the match between the Black Princesses and Ethiopia concluded with a 1-0 victory for the Ghanaian team.

  • GACL apologises for delay in flight after KIA experiences ‘dumsor’

    GACL apologises for delay in flight after KIA experiences ‘dumsor’

    The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has issued an apology to passengers at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) whose plans were affected by intermittent power outages on Friday, March 1.

    In a press release on social media, GACL stated that their generators also failed to start a few seconds after the disruption. They apologized for any inconvenience caused.

    “Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) wishes to confirm that Kotoka International Airport experienced intermittent power outages on Friday, 1st March, 2024.”

    “Our Gentsets, which normally kick-starts within 3-5 seconds of an outage, took about 1 minute 30 seconds to kick in. Management of GACL apologises for the inconvenience caused,” the statement read.

  • Energy Minister must brief parliament on recent power outages – Minority

    Energy Minister must brief parliament on recent power outages – Minority

    Members of the Minority in Parliament have urged the House leadership to summon the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempreh, to provide an update on the government’s actions to address the recent power outages.

    The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, expressed concerns about the adverse effects of the power cuts on households and businesses during the presentation of the business statement for the upcoming year on Friday, March 1.

    Mr Suhuyini emphasized the need for the Energy Minister to brief the House on the power situation and the reasons behind the inconsistent power supply.

    He highlighted the challenges faced by people and businesses in planning their activities and programs, urging the leadership to ensure clarity on the ongoing power issues.

    The MP for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, shared a distressing incident involving a National Service Personnel trapped in a Parliament lift during a power outage.

    He stressed the importance of the Energy Minister addressing the House to provide explanations and insights into the power sector’s developments, allowing MPs to inform their constituents about the situation.

    “Many people and businesses are unable to plan their activities and their programmes and they also sometimes have to find extra money to power their generators for their businesses and many people do not know what is happening.

    “They are told that there are planned and unplanned programmes and load is being shed, so it is important that the leadership of the House makes it possible for the Energy Minister to brief the House next week on the power situation and why fellow countrymen and women have to deal with the on and off situation. Ghanaians need to understand why they sleep in darkness.”

    “My issue has to do with the erratic power supply. Just two days ago, there was a National Service Personnel who was trapped in one of the lifts when the power went off. She was traumatized when she finally exited the lift and so are we able to quantify the psychological trauma that people go through as a result of this and so it is essential that the Minister for Energy responds to this House to explain to us so we can explain to our constituents what is happening.”

  • “My dumsor is better than your dumsor” – Barker-Vormawor mocks NDC, NPP

    “My dumsor is better than your dumsor” – Barker-Vormawor mocks NDC, NPP

    In a satirical take on the ongoing power crisis in Ghana, activist and convener of the FixTheCountry movement, Barker-Vormawor, has humorously jabbed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    In a post on X platform he wrote, “ Ready! Set! Go! ‘My Dumsor is better than your Dumsor”.

    Both the NPP and the NDC have been apportioning blame on each other regarding the current state of the country’s energy sector.

    Parts of Accra and other regions have been grappling with inconsistent power outages for several weeks commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’.

    Former president, John Dramani Mahama has asserted that he assumed responsibility for resolving the power crisis that gripped the nation before his taking a bow in 2016.

     Mahama has emphasized that his leadership merits recognition for putting an end to the intermittent power outages.

    In an interview with Ugandan-based NBS television, Mahama acknowledged the existence of intermittent power outages and stressed that he took accountability for addressing the challenge.

     He highlighted that relying solely on the Akosombo Dam was not a perpetual solution to resolve ‘dumsor.’

    Mahama clarified that he refrained from assigning blame to past administrations for the crisis but, instead, embraced the responsibility of rectifying the power dilemma. 

    He expressed, “What did I do? I took responsibility. I didn’t blame previous governments. I said yes you call me ‘Mr. Dumsor’…I inherited this problem but I take responsibility because you voted me into power to take responsibility and fix things and so I said I’m going to fix this and by 2015 I had added an additional almost 3,000 megawatts to Ghana’s generation.”

    “I was actually accused of putting in an excess generation…more generation than we needed. We are consuming 2,600 megawatts. Today we are consuming 1000 megawatts more and so if I didn’t put in that excess generation we probably would have started having an energy crisis again and it’s beginning to happen.

    “Outages every day because the consumption has caught up the amount of energy that is available and we are beginning to have problems,” he added.

    On the other hand, president Akufo-Addo has  emphasized his achievements in ensuring a consistent power supply for Ghanaians, countering recent outages affecting parts of the country.

    During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2024, the President dismissed claims of intermittent power supply amid the financial crisis, asserting that the country has not experienced the phenomenon known as DUMSOR over the past seven years.

    “Mr Speaker, between 2012 and early 2017, there was nothing more demoralising than the phenomenon we called DUMSOR. It was symptomatic of a dysfunctional system, and it caused widespread depression amongst businesses and households.

    After that experience, my government was determined that DUMSOR would not be inflicted upon Ghana and Ghanaians under an NPP government, and I am glad to be able to say, SO FAR, SO GOOD, we have managed to keep the lights on these last seven (7) years, even in the midst of a financial crisis.  We have managed the energy sector with discipline and expertise, to avoid a repetition of the hardships inflicted on Ghanaians some years ago.”

    Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Dubik Mahama has pointed out that the intermittent power outages are due maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems as reported.

    He revealed that much can not be done when a power plant producing 360 megawatts begins to develop problems with its gas emergency safety valve.

    Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.

  • Video: Jinapor brothers battle it out in parliament over ‘dumsor’

    Video: Jinapor brothers battle it out in parliament over ‘dumsor’

    Amidst the escalating tension and public outcry over persistent power outages in Ghana, a debate unfolded in Parliament between two brothers.

    The duo, a ranking member of the committee on Mines and Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

    John Abdulai Jinapor accused the current administration of insufficiently allocating funds for fuel to power the nation’s thermal plants, exacerbating the erratic electricity supply.

    In contrast, Samuel defended the government’s track record, asserting that the current situation is an improvement over previous administrations and highlighting the achievements under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership.

    Parts of Accra and other regions have been grappling with inconsistent power outages for several weeks.

    Engaging the media, Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr Dubik Mahama pointed out that the intermittent power outages are due maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems as reported.

    He revealed that much can not be done when a power plant producing 360 megawatts begins to develop problems with its gas emergency safety valve.

    Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.

    Watch video below:


  • Recent ‘dumsor’ is not fuel-related but maintenance-related – ECG boss reveals

    Recent ‘dumsor’ is not fuel-related but maintenance-related – ECG boss reveals

    The recent power outages in parts of Accra and other regions have been attributed to maintenance issues rather than fuel-related problems by the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama.

    Several communities have experienced unpredictable power supply for several weeks without prior notice from ECG.

    Speaking on Starr FM on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Mr. Mahama assured that ECG is working diligently to resolve the challenges and restore power to affected areas.

    He emphasized that the ongoing issues are primarily associated with major maintenance concerns rather than fuel shortages.

    “We are having major maintenance issues, the issue we are having now has nothing to do with fuel. You are relying on a power plant that is to give you about 360 megawatts then around 4 pm the gas emergency safety valve has a problem. What do you do? It is a machine.

    “The machine failed us and we kept on saying that it’s a machine issue that we were trying to fix,” Mr. Mahama stated.

    Recognizing the impact of the machinery failure on the power supply, he expressed regret over the lack of timely communication with the public.

    He continued: “I must apologize to Ghanaians, when it started we should actually have the confidence to have a chat with everybody and put out a statement.”

  • Dumsor in parliament: Parliament was working, ECG was also working – ECG MD replies

    Dumsor in parliament: Parliament was working, ECG was also working – ECG MD replies

    On Thursday, Ghanaian radio presenter Nathan Kwabena Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, conducted an interview with Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), on Starr FM.

    The focus of the discussion was the recent disconnection of power supply to Parliament during the House’s deliberations on the 2024 State of the Nation Address, which was presented by President Akufo-Addo on February 29th.

    The host, Bola Ray asked Mr Mahama, “Why did you do that, Parliament was in session. They were debating the State of the Nation Address and you got your men out there to disconnect the arm of government. Why so?”

    Mr Mahama replied with a question. He said, “Parliament was working. What was ECG doing?”

    Quickly, Bola Ray responded “ECG was working.” The host was definitely ready for Mr Mahama’s dismissive response.

    He said, “Okay, next question”, implying that Parliament’s work is not more important than that of the ECG.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Clerk of Corporate and Financial Management Services Division in Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has refuted claims that Parliament is indebted to the tune of GH¢23 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    On Thursday, February 29, 2024, there was a power outage in Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament, attributed to the purported GH¢23 million debt, as part of the ongoing “Operation Zero Balance” initiative by the ECG.

    In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Ahumah Djietror clarified that Parliament does not owe the stated amount, asserting that the house has been making payments. He acknowledged occasional discrepancies, citing failures in the ECG’s system to accurately record the payments.

    According to him, Parliament made a GH¢13 million payment on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, reducing the outstanding debt to approximately GH¢12 million.

    He emphasized that they possess records of all payments made as evidence.

    He said, “As far as we are concerned, we’ve made payment, all the payment we have made, some have not reflected in their system, that’s what I’m saying, some do not reflect in their system. We have a breakdown, so we showed it to the Deputy Managing Director, we are just coming from his office. I said they should reconcile the account. We are going to get the bank to extract all the payments we’ve made in terms of the dates. I’m not sure how it’s captured, so there’s a gap in terms of the reconciliation as to what is the outstanding bill.”

    Mr. Ahumah Djietror expressed the situation in Parliament as unfortunate and assured that efforts are underway to reconcile the accounts and settle the outstanding balance.

  • Ghana has stopped providing power to Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso – Jinapor

    Ghana has stopped providing power to Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso – Jinapor

    Ghana has officially ceased the provision of electrical power to its West African neighbors, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso according to the Ranking Member for the Committee on Mines and Energy, John Jinapor.

    Mr Jinapor pointed out that on the same day the president delivered the State of the Nation Address, utility companies were actively shedding load, revealing a worsening situation.

    He alleged that there was a substantial 580 MW deficit, resulting in the cessation of power supply to Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo.

    “The very day the president was delivering the State of the Nation Address and boosting, at that very period, the utility companies were shedding load.

    “The situation appears to be exacerbating. Yesterday alone there was a whooping 580MW of deficit culminating in the stop of power supply to Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and to Togo,” Mr. Jinapor alleged.

    The Opposition in Parliament has called upon the government to urgently address the recent electricity instability plaguing consumers.

    Numerous communities have endured inconsistent power supply for several weeks.

    During a press conference at Parliament,disclosed that a significant reduction of 530 MW occurred on Wednesday.

    This led to consumers experiencing prolonged periods of darkness and disrupted supply to neighboring nations.

    The Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu attributed this issue to a lack of funds for fuel procurement, emphasizing that some thermal plants are also non-operational, indicating a dire state in the country’s power sector.

  • Fuel shortage, faulty thermal plants causing ‘dumsor’ – John Jinapor

    Fuel shortage, faulty thermal plants causing ‘dumsor’ – John Jinapor

    Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu constituency, John Jinapor, has attributed the current power cuts in the country, popularly known as ‘dumsor’, to fuel shortages and the inefficiency of thermal power plants.

    Accra and some parts of the country have experienced intermittent power outages for a significant period of time. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has not provided much explanation regarding the recent outages.

    Mr Jinapor has urged the authorities responsible for the power sector to release a schedule for power outages so that Ghanaians can plan accordingly.

    “The minority side has been monitoring the power situation for the past month, and it appears, based on the information available to us, that the power sector is collapsing.

    “Since February 2, there has been persistent and consistent load shedding by the generation companies; indeed, the load shedding is worsening by the day. The day the president was delivering SONA and boasting, there was some load-shedding happening,” Mr Jinapor said in an interview.

    “Today at 12 pm, load shedding will commence again; our investigation indicates that some of our thermal plants are down, and there is a lack of fuel causing the load shedding. The handlers of the power sector should do the honourable thing by informing the people of Ghana so they can plan ahead of time.”

    Deputy Energy Minister-designate Collins Adomako-Mensah has promised that the current power outages will be resolved within the next two weeks.

    “I admit that for the past two or three weeks, there have been some power outages, but it is interesting that the two-week power outages are causing the Minority to have a press conference. I am yet to fully settle into the [Energy] Ministry, but the little interaction I have had with the officers in the Ministry before my vetting is that this should be taken care of in the next two weeks,” Collins Adomako-Mensah said in the interview.

  • Firefighters rescue staff trapped in elevator during dumsor in Parliament

    Firefighters rescue staff trapped in elevator during dumsor in Parliament

    Firefighters in Parliament are currently working to rescue individuals trapped in elevators following a power disconnection by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    The disconnection was carried out due to an outstanding debt of GH¢23 million owed by Parliament House and Job 600, the office complex for Members of Parliament.

    The disconnection is part of ECG’s “Operation Zero Balance” initiative, aiming to recover outstanding debts from various customers. Despite efforts to collect the debt from parliamentary facilities, the disconnection was deemed necessary, highlighting the challenges faced by ECG in debt recovery and ensuring sustainable electricity supply.

    This development comes amid ongoing power cuts in parts of Ghana, including Accra, the capital city.

    Nana Amoasi IV from the Institute for Energy Security (IES) has warned that these power cuts may persist unless immediate action is taken to address issues related to installed capacity and fuel supply in the power sector.

    The ECG has not provided a clear explanation for the power outages or issued a load shedding timetable, causing disruptions in daily life for many residents.

  • “Power sector is collapsing”; release ‘dumsor’ timetable – Jinapor

    “Power sector is collapsing”; release ‘dumsor’ timetable – Jinapor

    Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu constituency, John Jinapor has urged the authorities responsible for the power sector to release a schedule for power outages so that Ghanaians can plan accordingly.

    He attributed the current power cuts in the country to fuel shortages and the inefficiency of thermal power plants.

    Speaking in an interview, Mr Jinapor said, “The minority side has been monitoring the power situation for the past month, and it appears, based on the information available to us, that the power sector is collapsing.

    “Since February 2, there has been persistent and consistent load shedding by the generation companies; indeed, the load shedding is worsening by the day. The day the president was delivering SONA and boasting, there was some load-shedding happening.”

    “Today at 12 pm, load shedding will commence again; our investigation indicates that some of our thermal plants are down, and there is a lack of fuel causing the load shedding. The handlers of the power sector should do the honourable thing by informing the people of Ghana so they can plan ahead of time.”

    Deputy Energy Minister-designate Collins Adomako-Mensah has promised that the current power outages, popularly known as ‘dumsor’, will be resolved within the next two weeks.

    “I admit that for the past two or three weeks, there have been some power outages, but it is interesting that the two-week power outages are causing the Minority to have a press conference. I am yet to fully settle into the [Energy] Ministry, but the little interaction I have had with the officers in the Ministry before my vetting is that this should be taken care of in the next two weeks,” Collins Adomako-Mensah said in the interview.

  • ECG, GRIDCo summoned over dumsor in Ashanti Region 

    ECG, GRIDCo summoned over dumsor in Ashanti Region 

    Authorities of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) in the Ashanti region have been summoned by the regional minister for an emergency meeting. 

    Mr Simon Osei-Mensah who is also the Regional Security Council (RESEC) Chairman is seeking to hold this meeting with the power supply agencies to ascertain the cause and also find solutions to recent intermittent power supply in the area.  

    Some communities in the Ashanti region are grappling with incessant power cuts,popularly known as ‘dumsor.’ 

    Several communities are without electricity for 12-24 hours without any official communications from the power producers and its distribution partners in the region.

    Last week, an unstable power situation in the Ashanti region dominated radio and television discussions in the region, compelling the regional minister to step in today.

    Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei-Mensah while confirming the scheduled meeting described the development in the region as unfortunate and therefore the need for the official meeting with managers of the ECG and GRIDCo.

    “Yes, I’m meeting them at 10am today about the inability of the power supply in Kumasi, for that matter the Ashanti region in general. The situation is not the best and we must work things out to perfect it. I will speak to you after the meeting,” he said.