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Tag: dumsor

  • Kumasi experiencing power and water crisis

    Kumasi experiencing power and water crisis

    Business operators and residents in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, are expressing frustration and outrage over persistent power outages plaguing the area.

    The frequent disruptions in power supply in recent weeks have sparked discontent in the Ashanti Regional capital, raising concerns about the reliability of electricity services in the region.

    Areas like Asokwa, Oforikrom, Bosomtwe, and other parts of Greater Kumasi are particularly hard-hit. Complaints include damage to electrical appliances and a negative impact on productivity.

    When Asaase News visited TI AMASS Senior High School in Asokwa on Thursday morning, the lack of electricity at water pumping plants forced students to search for water. 15-year-old Pokuaa Nyamekye expressed concern about maintaining good hygiene if the situation persists.

    “For someone like me if I have my period and I don’t take my bath I can’t go to the classroom. Some of us have to skip dawn lessons to search for water and this has affected normal life on campus. We humbly pray that this is resolved very soon otherwise things will get worse in the coming days.”

    “It started over the weekend and today around 1 am some of us had to hunt for water again”, said another student. “We have come to the court premises for some help. Some are even bathing at the [Kumasi] mall. This is terrible”.

    The Ghana National Fire Service, observing the situation, fears more fire outbreaks could occur if nothing is done to address the power outages. DO3 Peter Adai, the Ashanti Regional Spokesperson for the Service, emphasized the importance of safety precautions during power fluctuations.

    Efforts to obtain comments from officials at the Electricity Company of Ghana have yielded little results as of the time of this report. However, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) asserts that it is closely monitoring the situation.

    The regulator assures that water will be restored by the close of Thursday, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

    Richard Asiedu, the Ashanti regional spokesperson at the PURC, explained, “Since last Saturday, we realized that most residents in parts of the Greater Kumasi areas have been experiencing water shortage. We reached out to the ECG, and they informed us that they had a cable blast around one of their substations, so they were trying to fix the situation. The situation has affected water supply as the Ghana Water Company also relies heavily on power supply during their operations.”

    There is a strong push for an alternative arrangement to avoid disruptions in power distribution in Kumasi, as residents maintain that the situation is taking a toll on their livelihoods.

  • Debate on dumsor resurfaces as NDC challenges Bawumia’s assertion on resolving power crisis

    Debate on dumsor resurfaces as NDC challenges Bawumia’s assertion on resolving power crisis

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken issue with Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent assertion that the Akufo-Addo administration successfully resolved Ghana’s power crisis, colloquially known as ‘dumsor‘.

    Dismissing Dr. Bawumia’s claim as inaccurate, the NDC urged Ghanaians to disregard it, emphasizing their view that the power crisis was effectively tackled during the tenure of former President John Mahama.

    In a press statement issued in response to Dr. Bawumia’s remarks made during his address as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, February 7, the NDC contested the Vice President’s claims.

    Dr. Bawumia had highlighted the achievements of the current government, including the resolution of ‘dumsor’, attributing this accomplishment to a decisive and deliberate government program aimed at stabilizing the economy and addressing societal challenges.

    In contrast, the NDC praised former President John Mahama as a visionary leader who took responsibility for the power crisis and implemented measures to address it, ultimately ending load shedding by 2016.

    “The visionary and experienced Nation Builder, President Mahama accepted responsibility for the problem and promised to fix it. Indeed, by 2016 he had comprehensively fixed dumsor and ended load shedding,” the NDC stated in their press release.

    The dispute underscores ongoing political debates surrounding the handling of the power crisis in Ghana. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, contrasting narratives regarding the resolution of ‘dumsor’ are likely to remain a focal point of contention between the major political parties.

  • Don’t take credit for what you didn’t do, we fixed dumsor – NDC to NPP

    Don’t take credit for what you didn’t do, we fixed dumsor – NDC to NPP

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has contradicted Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s assertion that the Akufo-Addo government successfully resolved the nation’s power crisis, known as dumsor.

    Rejecting Dr. Bawumia’s claim, the NDC urged Ghanaians to dismiss it, emphasizing its inaccuracy.

    Addressing the nation on Wednesday, February 7, as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia highlighted the achievements of the current administration, including the alleged resolution of dumsor.

    He credited this accomplishment to a decisive and intentional government program.

    In response, the NDC issued a press statement challenging Dr. Bawumia’s assertions, maintaining that the power crisis was actually addressed during the tenure of former President John Mahama, whom they hailed as a nation builder.

    “We started with a clear, decisive and deliberate program to, among other things, stabilise the economy, fix dumsor, fix the NHIS, fix the roads, clear the arrears, make education free and accessible, significantly enhance social protection for the vulnerable in society, industrialize our economy, tackle youth unemployment and empower farmers,” he stated.

    Contrary to Dr. Bawumia’s claims, the NDC argued that it was the NDC/Mahama government that successfully addressed DUMSOR.

    They pointed out that Ghana experienced dumsor in various years before 2012, and President Mahama, recognizing the issue, promised to fix it.

    “On the contrary, the facts show that it was the NDC/Mahama government that fixed DUMSOR. Note that Ghana recorded DUMSOR in 1984, 1997, 2006-2007, before the problem reoccured in 2012, as a result of a disruption of the West African Gas pipeline, which created a power generation deficit.””The visionary and experienced Nation Builder, President Mahama accepted responsibility for the problem and promised to fix it. Indeed, by 2016 he had comprehensively fixed DUMSOR and ended load shedding.”

    By 2016, he had comprehensively resolved dumsor by introducing power plants like Ameri and Karpower, increasing the country’s generation capacity by over 800 Megawatts.

    The NDC’s statement also highlighted that the NPP, including Bawumia, now blames Mahama for creating what they term as “excess capacity” in power generation.

  • Mahama ended ‘dumsor’ in 2016 – NDC to Bawumia

    Mahama ended ‘dumsor’ in 2016 – NDC to Bawumia

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s claim that the Akufo-Addo government successfully resolved Ghana’s power crisis, commonly known as dumsor.

    Dr. Bawumia made these remarks during his address on Wednesday, February 7, as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He touted the current administration’s achievements, including the purported resolution of dumsor, attributing this accomplishment to a decisive and intentional government program.

    “We started with a clear, decisive and deliberate program to, among other things, stabilise the economy, fix dumsor, fix the NHIS, fix the roads, clear the arrears, make education free and accessible, significantly enhance social protection for the vulnerable in society, industrialize our economy, tackle youth unemployment and empower farmers,” he stated.

    In response, the NDC issued a press statement contesting Dr. Bawumia’s claims, insisting that the power crisis was actually addressed during the tenure of former President John Mahama.

    They hailed Mahama as a nation builder, attributing the resolution of the power crisis to his administration.

    Dismissing Dr. Bawumia’s assertion, the NDC urged Ghanaians to disregard it, stating that it is inaccurate.

    “The visionary and experienced Nation Builder, President Mahama accepted responsibility for the problem and promised to fix it. Indeed, by 2016 he had comprehensively fixed DUMSOR and ended load shedding.”

  • ECG goes after consumers who are not paying their bills

    ECG goes after consumers who are not paying their bills

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is set to commence the ‘No Free Consumption’ operation on Thursday, February 1, targeting customers and electricity users who are consuming power without payment.

    The initiative involves ECG field teams updating customer details, including phone numbers and GPS addresses, collecting arrears, and disconnecting services for non-payment.

    This enforcement, effective today, will run until Thursday, February 15, 2024.

    The External Relations Officer of ECG, Laila Abubakar, issued a warning of possible prosecution for customers engaging in this unauthorized consumption.

    “We have done targeted mapping of where these pay points are. And we are going to use the next two weeks to fish out these people who are using electricity without paying anything to us.

    “We found them last year and tried to regularise them and they have gone back to their old ways. We now have a new directorate which is the prosecution directorate which is going to take on a lot of companies and individuals who have refused to stick to the ethos of using power and paying for power. For the next 12 months to come we have various revenue mobilisations that are going to happen,” he said.

  • ECG asks customers to secure sufficient credit ahead of January 25-26 maintenance works 

    ECG asks customers to secure sufficient credit ahead of January 25-26 maintenance works 

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has called on customers utilizing the CLOU prepayment Metering System’s server to purchase sufficient credit to cover the period from January 25 to 26. The announcement comes as part of the ECG’s plans to undertake emergency maintenance works on the CLOU Prepayment Metering System’s server.

    A notice to customers, as cited by 3news.com, stated, “The Electricity Company of Ghana will undertake emergency maintenance works on the CLOU Prepayment Metering System’s server…All CLOU prepaid customers are therefore being advised to purchase enough credit that will last for the period of the downtime.”

    The ECG expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to affected customers during the maintenance period.

    The move has been prompted by the need for repair works on the CLOU system, and the ECG is proactively advising prepaid customers to ensure they have adequate credit to avoid any disruption in their electricity supply.

    The announcement comes amidst customer complaints across various parts of the country regarding erratic power supply, impacting business operations. While government officials have consistently denied the return of ‘Dumsor,’ the intermittent power situation continues to be a concern for consumers.

    The ECG’s proactive approach to communicate and advise customers on the impending maintenance works reflects the utility company’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. As the scheduled maintenance takes place, customers are encouraged to comply with the advisory to minimize any inconvenience during the specified period.

    The ECG’s initiative to address potential disruptions through planned maintenance aligns with efforts to maintain the reliability and efficiency of the power distribution system, ultimately contributing to a stable electricity supply for consumers across the region.

  • VAT on electricity: Govt sidelining us in decision-making process is surprising – Austin Gamey

    VAT on electricity: Govt sidelining us in decision-making process is surprising – Austin Gamey

    A Labor Consultant, Mr. Austin Akufo Gamey, has expressed the view that the government should have engaged labor unions in the decision-making process regarding the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption.

    He emphasized that considering the impact on workers, involving labor unions would have been appropriate to reach a consensus and prevent the current agitations.

    Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 in response to recent labor union protests, Mr. Gamey pointed out the need for the government to learn from past experiences.

    He recalled a situation during the tenure of former President John Mahama where a similar issue was addressed through dialogue with labor unions, resulting in a beneficial outcome.

    “When the former president [John Mahama] was in office, we came close to a situation where almost all labour unions were clamouring for some conditions of service, legitimately as the case may be, but all things added it was realized that almost 70 percent of national income was being used to pay wages alone.

    “So the former president initiated a move and we met at Ho, almost 20 percent of the national unions were present, we had a very useful conversation and the unions having appreciated the concerns of the former president and Finance Minister, Seth Terkper came to the conclusion that they should hold on with everything.

    “And so therefore lessons have not been learned I am surprised that they want to introduce this measure which will impoverish or create problems and did not involve the unions,  they should have involved the unions in the decision-making. It was most unfortunate, this is a bitter lesson.”

    Mr. Gamey lamented the lack of lessons learned and expressed surprise at the government’s decision to introduce a measure without consulting the unions, considering the potential negative consequences.

    He emphasized the importance of involving labor unions in the decision-making process, stating that it was an unfortunate oversight.

    “It is always the poor including pensioners who bear the brunt and we should not allow that to continue. Today organized labour, our message to the government is that we cannot pay VAT on electricity, we will not pay it today, we will not pay it tomorrow.

    “Organized labour is therefore demanding the directive from the Minister of Finance to stop the VAT on the consumption of electricity. So we are giving the government up to 31st January 2024  to withdraw the letter. If by that time the directive has not been given to withdraw it we will advise ourselves,” Dr Yaw Baah said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, January 23.

    The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to withdraw the directive on the introduction of VAT on electricity.

    TUC Secretary-General, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, argued that this move would worsen the economic hardships faced by workers and pensioners. The TUC has given the government until January 31st to withdraw the directive, threatening further action if it is not heeded.

    The Ministry of Finance, as part of its Medium-Term Revenue Strategy and the IMF-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), announced the commencement of a 15% VAT for residential electricity customers above specified consumption levels.

    The Ministry clarified that VAT remains exempt for electricity supplied to dwellings up to a maximum consumption level specified for lifeline units.

    The Ministry directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to collaborate with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the implementation of VAT on residential electricity customers, effective January 1, 2024.

    The letter also instructed GRA to coordinate with ECG and NEDCO for the collection and transfer of revenues from the implemented VAT.“The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) are, hereby, requested to liaise with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure that the implementation of VAT for residential customers of electricity above the maximum consumption level specified for block charges for lifeline units takes effect on 1 January 2024, in line with Sectio35 and 37 and the First Schedule (9) of Act 870,” it said.“ By a copy of this letter GRA is requested to ensure that it liaises with ECG and NEDCO for the transfer of the revenues collected from the implementation of VAT on the subject matter as part of its domestic VAT collections,” it added.VAT on electricity: It's surprising govt didn't involve labour unions in decision-making process - Austin Gamey

  • Dumsor has not returned – ECG maintains

    Dumsor has not returned – ECG maintains

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has addressed concerns regarding recent power outages, dismissing the notion that it signifies a return of the past ‘dumsor’ era.

    In a notice on Sunday, the ECG emphasized, “While there is NO DUMSOR, we are still working to enhance the stability of the power supply.”

    The company attributed the recent disruptions to local faults and encouraged affected customers to contact their call centers for assistance.

    The notice stated, “We have noticed the concerns about intermittent power supply in some areas. We understand the impact this has, and we are actively addressing all issues. While there is NO DUMSOR, we are still working to enhance the stability of the power supply,” it said in a notice on Sunday.

    Earlier, ECG had attributed the issue to bush fires causing damage to electricity poles and distribution lines, warning of potential legal action against those responsible.

    “If you are experiencing any power disruptions, it is a local fault, please reach out to our call centre on +233 30 261 1611 or send us a DM. Your feedback helps us address specific cases and ensures a more personalised response,” it said in a notice.

    The public was urged to take precautions when burning bushes to prevent damage to properties.

    However, skepticism has arisen, with some customers on social media accusing the company of covering up for the government.

    One customer expressed frustration, stating, “The lies and deceitfulness are too much!” Others highlighted perceived political bias, stating, “This would have been dumsor under an NDC government, but since it’s NPP, it’s intermittent power supply.”

    Residents from various areas shared their experiences of inconsistent power supply, raising doubts about the company’s justifications and calling for transparency in communication.

    “I was doing my laundry this afternoon and the light just went off. ECG needs to be truthful to us as tax-paying citizens of this country. The lies and deceitfulness are too much!” one customer stated.

    “This would have been a dumsor under NDC government but since it’s NPP it’s intermittent power supply in some areas. Wow! .The word ‘Dumsor’ doesn’t exist in NPP era.People are afraid to loose their jobs. Ah well,the good people of this will be the best judges,” another added.

    “Come to Twifo Praso, you may think it’s the Headquarters of Dumsor. Even when Black Stars were about to start the match on Thursday, it went off and came back immediately after the match. They switch off the lights anyhow here.”

    “My area some part have light some too don’t have and in the compound we are in some have light others too don’t have 3 days now no light why,” queried another.

  • Short-lived jubilation – Deputy Energy Minister jabs NDC over ‘dumsor’ crisis

    Short-lived jubilation – Deputy Energy Minister jabs NDC over ‘dumsor’ crisis

    Deputy Energy Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer has taken a swipe at the National Democratic Congress (NDC), indicating that their celebration over the intermittent electricity supply crisis ‘dumsor’ has been premature.

    Certain areas in Accra have been facing intermittent power supply, and some regions have been dealing with similar issues for months. The challenges with power supply have led to disruptions and inconveniences for residents in these affected areas.

    In an interview on Peace FM, the minister noted that recent power outages have been resolved despite the many ‘exaggerated’ concerns raised by individuals from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Their jubilation has been short-lived. You’d be there then my brother, Jinapor would issue a statement. Dumsor is back, I am saddened,” the deputy minister said.

    He mentioned that a significant disbursement of $10 million has been made to the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) for gas supply, contributing to the resolution of the issues causing power disruptions.

    But according to the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor, employees of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo) are considering not opening the pipeline until they receive their payment.

    “I actually spoke to the WAGPCo workers and they told me that upon the government’s payment, they would be willing to open the pipeline” he told Osei Bonsu on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme.

  • ‘Dumsor’ is a thing of the past – Government

    ‘Dumsor’ is a thing of the past – Government

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has assured Ghanaians that the recent power outages, reminiscent of the 2015 “Dumsor” crisis, will not become a recurring issue.

    The party emphasizes that ‘Dumsor’ is a thing of the past and is dedicated to preventing such widespread power shortages from happening again, as they did during the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

    Alfred Thompson, a member of the NPP Communications Team, emphasized the government’s diligent efforts to ensure a consistent power supply for the nation during an interview on The Big Issue on Citi TV.

    “We are saying to Ghanaians that it is not a dumsor era and we will never let them go under that challenge in this country again.”

    “And that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the lights are on and that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the laws are reduced…and we will work in the interest of Ghanaians,” he stated.

  • Dumsor is Mahama’s legacy; it won’t return – Egyapa to doomsday prophets

    Dumsor is Mahama’s legacy; it won’t return – Egyapa to doomsday prophets

    Deputy Energy Minister, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, has called out naysayers claiming that erratic power outages experienced some years ago, which gained notoriety as ‘dumsor’ has returned.

    Rejecting the claims, Mr Egyapa Mercer insisted that ‘dumsor’ is the legacy of former President John Dramani Mahama, and would not return under this administration. 

    “Dumsor is the legacy of former President John Mahama. It was dead with him and remains buried with him. Dumsor is not back. That’s the assurance I’m giving to every Ghanaian,” he said.

    During an interview on Peace FM, he acknowledged that the recent outages were unfortunate, however, claims of the doomsday prophets to the effect that dumsor is back are false.

    Recent power outages have raised concerns over the return of ‘dumsor’. Members of the public, including top guns in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have all raised concerns over the matter. 

    NDC has questioned the silence of the Akufo Addo government over the return of erratic power supply (Dumsor).

    According to key officials of the party, the current administration has supervised the return of the dreaded power outages widely known as Dumsor.

    Taking to social media platform X, National Communications Officer of the party Sammy Gyamfi and Aide to the former president Felix Ofposu Kwakye in separate posts quizzed why power in major parts of the capital had been out.

    “So why is the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government concealing the fact that we are in Dumsor?

    “What are they hiding?” Felix asked.

    Sammy Gyamfi also said, “It’s sad how Ghanaians are being plunged into #Dumsor after the problem was sustainably addressed by the visionary Nation Builder, @JDMahama. What’s happening here @MBawumia @NAkufoAddo ?”

    Nonetheless, Mr Egyapa Mercer and the current administration maintains their stance that dumsor is not back.

  • Govt is working to ensure we don’t return to ‘dumsor’ era – NPP

    Govt is working to ensure we don’t return to ‘dumsor’ era – NPP

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reassured the Ghanaian public that the recent power outages, reminiscent of the 2015 “dumsor” crisis, will not become a recurring issue.

    The party is adamant that intermittent power supply, also known as ‘dumsor’ is a thing of the past and is committed to preventing widespread power shortages, as experienced during the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

    A member of the NPP Communications Team, Alfred Thompson, emphasized during an interview on The Big Issue on Citi TV that Ghanaians should not categorize the recent power outages as a resurgence of ‘dumsor.’

    “We are saying to Ghanaians that it is not a dumsor era and we will never let them go under that challenge in this country again.”

    “And that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the lights are on and that is why we are working assiduously to make sure that the laws are reduced…and we will work in the interest of Ghanaians,” he stated.

    He underscored the government’s concerted efforts to ensure a consistent and reliable power supply for the nation.

  • Energy Sector is broke – Edward Bawa states cause of recent incessant power outages

    Energy Sector is broke – Edward Bawa states cause of recent incessant power outages

    Member of Parliament for Bongo and a member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Edward Bawa, has attributed Ghana’s recent power outages to the financial insolvency plaguing the energy sector.

    Despite the Deputy Energy Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer assuring that power supply challenges have been addressed, including a $10 million disbursement to WAPCo for gas supply, intermittent blackouts persist.

    This scenario mirrors the “Dumsor” crisis of 2015 and corresponds with the foresight of Nana Amoasi VII, predicting persistent power challenges stemming from economic constraints.

    Bawa’s remarks underscore the government’s challenges in effectively managing finances related to energy and sustaining a reliable power supply.

    Speaking in an interview on Citi TV on Saturday, Mr Bawa said “As to whether what is the situation as we have it now, simple and short the sector is broke. That’s all. That’s the situation.

    “As we speak now as of yesterday if you look at our peak demand it was 3680 but the available capacity, which means the amount of power that we could supply even if we decided that we were going to have a reserved margin or redundancy was going to be 3363 which means that on the word go even without putting the redundancy there, that was obviously around almost 300 megawatts.”

  • We are in deep trouble if GHC 19million debt can push us into ‘dumsor’, says John Jinapor

    We are in deep trouble if GHC 19million debt can push us into ‘dumsor’, says John Jinapor

    John Abdulai Jinapor, who serves as the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, has expressed concern about the ongoing power issues in the country.

    He emphasised that the debts owed to power suppliers are insufficient to justify the current sporadic power outages.

    In recent times, Ghanaians have experienced disruptions in power supply following the announcement by the Electricity Company of Ghana about the commencement of repair work.

    According to John Jinapor, the outstanding amount owed to the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo) is not substantial enough to be the cause of load shedding.

    “Indeed, if $19 million is a major problem, then we have a serious problem to deal with. If $19 million can lead to this situation, then we have a huge problem as a country because I thought that a country the size of Ghana and given our GDP, $19 million should not lead to a load shedding of about 600 megawatts,” he said, as quoted by myjoyonline.com.

    “If the Ministry of Finance mismanages the economy and the cedi depreciates to the level we saw, then the government must be willing and ready to make that payment,” he added.

    The government is currently indebted to the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo) in the amount of $19 million. Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, revealed that the government has already cleared $13 million of the owed sum, leaving an outstanding balance of $6 million.

    Egyapa Mercer further stated that discussions are underway between the government and WAPCo to formulate a payment schedule for the remaining $6 million.

  • Dumsor is back! NDC MP details recent rolling blackouts in Ghana

    Dumsor is back! NDC MP details recent rolling blackouts in Ghana

    Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ellembele, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has declared that Ghana is currently facing challenges with load shedding.

    As a former Minister of Energy and Petroleum, he pointed to recent instances of power outages as clear indications that the era of rolling blackouts, commonly referred to as dumsor, has made a return.

    Additionally, he highlighted reports detailing the growing financial strain on state entities within the power production and transmission system, further exacerbating the situation.

    “Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is currently unable to fulfil its payment obligations to the West African Gas Pipeline, which is responsible for transporting gas from Takoradi to Tema for power generation.

    “You can also track the ultimate problem to the weakest link in the value chain—ECG’s inability to pay off-takers,” he added.


    He urged the government to be transparent about the situation, calling on the Ghana Grid Company to establish a timetable for the current dumsor and provide businesses and households with the means to plan more effectively.

    The hashtag #DumsorIsBack has gained traction on Ghana’s social media platforms, with both the president and vice president facing harsh criticism for the prevailing circumstances.

    Surprisingly, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), responsible for power distribution, has yet to address the allegations regarding the return of dumsor.

    Read the MP’s full post on the return of dumsor:

    Ghana is currently grappling with a severe case of Load Shedding, commonly known as Dumsor.

    The situation is evidently clear, with 500 MW of load being shed as of tonight, January 9th, 2024.

    Numerous areas have been plunged into darkness due to the unavailability of gas to fuel thermal plants within the Tema enclave, which can be attributed to financial constraints.

    Specifically, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is currently unable to fulfil its payment obligations to the West African Gas Pipeline, which is responsible for transporting gas from Takoradi to Tema for power generation. You can also track the ultimate problem to the weakest link in the value chain: -ECG’s inability to pay off-takers.

    Compounding the situation is the absence of a load-shedding timetable, which hampers households and businesses from planning accordingly.

    The lack of transparency and communication regarding the power outage schedule only adds to the frustration and inconvenience experienced by the affected population.

    It is worth highlighting that even during the worst periods of Dumsor in the past, the power outage never reached the 500 megawatts threshold currently being shed yet the media associated with the NPP interestingly see this as no “Dumsor.”

    Their loud silence on the current situation is deafening.

    The Ghana Grid Company must, as a matter of urgency, come out with a load-shedding timetable to allow households and businesses to plan better.

  • “What’s your problem?” It was worse under Mahama – Annoh-Dompreh hits back at Minority after ‘dumsor’ in Parliament

    “What’s your problem?” It was worse under Mahama – Annoh-Dompreh hits back at Minority after ‘dumsor’ in Parliament

    Parliament faced intermittent power outages during its session today.

    The lights went out while Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, was addressing the House.

    The incident led to mockery from the Minority side, prompting criticism from Annoh-Dompreh, who expressed displeasure at the Minority’s reaction.

    He noted that the current erratic power supply is not comparable to what was experienced under the Mahama-led administration.

    “What’s your problem? This is better than what we experienced under you. You should know this. Sam George, you should know this. This is far better than what we endured under your tenure,” he said.

    His comments did not prevent the Minority from ridiculing the Majority the more. An MP shouted, “You go explain tire,” indicating that no amount of explanation can take away the fact that “dumsor” is back under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    A few minutes later, Parliament was lit once more. It is unknown if power was restored or if a plant had been turned on.

    Staff of the Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo are threatening the return of incessant power cuts, popularly known as dumsor, which plagued the country some years back.

    This is due to the failure of the government to settle some arrears of industry players.

    In a statement registering their displeasure over the situation, the aggrieved staff noted that there will be a return of ‘dumsor’ this Christmas if the financial status of the company is not improved with immediate effect.

    “The main cause of the poor cash flow situation is because the Cash Waterfall Mechanism which is used as the mode of payment to the industry players within the sector is not working and is suspected to have been discontinued,” they stated.

    In the statement issued by the Senior Staff Association’s National Chairman and addressed to the Minister of Energy, the Board Chairman, and the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, the staff are pointing accusing fingers at ECG for their refusal to pay, in full, for the services rendered to them by the company. 

    They explain that GRIDCo bills ECG – their major customer – over GH₵100 million per month, out of which only about 18% to 25% is paid, and in an irregular manner.

  • GRIDCo staff threatens to ‘restore’ dumsor if govt fails to pay them

    GRIDCo staff threatens to ‘restore’ dumsor if govt fails to pay them

    Staff of the Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo are threatening the return of incessant power cuts, popularly known as dumsor, which plagued the country some years back.

    This is due to the failure of the government to settle some arrears of industry players.

    In a statement registering their displeasure over the situation, the aggrieved staff noted that there will be a return of ‘dumsor’ this Christmas if the financial status of the company is not improved with immediate effect.

    “The main cause of the poor cash flow situation is because the Cash Waterfall Mechanism which is used as the mode of payment to the industry players within the sector is not working and is suspected to have been discontinued,” they stated.

    In the statement issued by the Senior Staff Association’s National Chairman and addressed to the Minister of Energy, the Board Chairman, and the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, the staff are pointing accusing fingers at ECG for their refusal to pay, in full, for the services rendered to them by the company. 

    They explain that GRIDCo bills ECG – their major customer – over GH₵100 million per month, out of which only about 18% to 25% is paid, and in an irregular manner.

    “The chunk of the revenue sits in our books without any plans to redeem same. This situation has made it difficult to pay suppliers, procure the requisite tools, materials and spares, all of which adversely affect the business,” they wrote.

    According to the staff of GRIDCo, the ongoing challenges in the cash flow of the company have implications not only on their operations but also on the service delivery to customers and the general welfare of staff.

    They are threatening a possible return to the days of intermittent power outages that characterised the country some years back.

    “We the staff groups wish to caution that if the Cash Waterfall Mechanism is not restored immediately or other means of financial support provided for GRIDCo, we cannot guarantee smooth power supply, especially during this festive season and going forward.”

  • Dumsor looms as Asogli shuts down power station

    Dumsor looms as Asogli shuts down power station

    Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited, an independent power producer, declared an indefinite closure of its power plant on Monday evening.

    This decision was attributed to the outstanding debt owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    “This difficult decision became necessary due to avoidable delays in payment from the GOG/Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for power supplied, as well as, the unproductive engagements to find an amicable solution,” portions of the statement said.

    The company said this was its last resort as “the accumulating bills have significantly impacted our operational capacities, making it unsustainable to continue without addressing these financial challenges.”

    Vice President for IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, who shared the statement by the company, noted that Ghana would lose 560 megawatts of its dependable power, thereby leading to intermittent power outages.

    He wrote in a post on X on December 4, saying, “Ghana’s 1st private power producer (IPP), Sunon Asogli, has broken ranks with the IPP industry to throw the 1st salvo in the IPPs’ standoff with the govt over unpaid debts. This removes ~560MW of dependable power. Some IPPs, esp Karpower, have blocked joint action so far. Dumsor?”

  • EKow Essuman confronts John Mahama, labeling dumsor as his legacy

    EKow Essuman confronts John Mahama, labeling dumsor as his legacy

    A legal counsel to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, has contested assertions that the former John Dramani Mahama administration inherited the power crisis.

    Through a series of posts on X, the president’s lawyer has asserted that the power crisis from 2012 to 2016 is a legacy associated with the John Mahama brand and should not be attributed to preceding administrations.

    “This is Prez Mahama’s legacy: Mr. Dumsor, Mr. Yentie Obiaaa. These are the things @receiptsguy won’t provide because he is an NDC stooge and operative on this platform. But he forgets that he is not the sole custodian of receipts. We got them too!” he wrote in caption to a popular cartoon video from the dumsor era.

    “This video has been reproduced because the NDC led by the Special Aide to Prez Mahama, @joyce_bawah, says Prez Mahama inherited dumsor,” he added.

    The president’s attorney had earlier refuted a post made by former president John Dramani Mahama’s assistant Joyce Bawah Mogtari, which implied that the Mahama administration had inherited a power vacuum.

    “Prez Mahama inherited dumsor? Ei! Ok, from who? Himself or Prof Mills? I am sure you don’t even remember why it was called dumsor. Prez Mahama, who said dumsor was an act of God and gave some explanation about some ship cutting cable lines, now says, through his Special Aide, that he inherited dumsor?” he questioned.

  • If IPPs’ $1.4 billion debt is not paid, a massive “dumsor” is imminent – Jinapor

    If IPPs’ $1.4 billion debt is not paid, a massive “dumsor” is imminent – Jinapor

    Government may see significant load shedding if it does not act quickly to settle the Independent Power Producers, according to a ranking member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament.

    According to him, this is due to the government’s indebtedness to the power producers.

    His comments come after the Independent Power Producers gave the government a June 30 deadline to settle their debts else, they would shut down their plants.

    Government owes the IPPs up to $1.4 billion of which it was seeking to restructure some after the country’s debts became unsustainable.

    He said on JoyNews on June 21 2023: “My fear is that eventually, we might get to a situation where all the IPPs will shut down and when they shut down, we are going to have a massive load shedding.”

    John Jinapor also noted that the government’s failure to settle the power producers sends a wrong signal to the international market and could lead to further downgrades.

    “Ghana will no longer be considered as creditworthy and nobody would want to do business with Ghana because the sovereign itself has defaulted and the World Bank guarantee itself is being called upon,” he said.

    John Jinapor said the government is to be blamed for any crisis that looms.

    This is because: “First of all, they themselves set up what they call the energy sector recovery programme in 2019. They were specific, if you read the document, this year, that programme was supposed to come to an end. The year is ending and yet they have achieved virtually nothing.

    “In addition to that, the Minister of Finance came to Parliament in that year 2019 and requested 1 billion dollars in order to achieve this objective.

    “We approved that money for the Minister of Finance, he got the money from the EuroBond and misapplied the money. He did not apply that money to the intended purpose, and for the purpose for which he came to Parliament,” he stated.

  • Nungua barrier, other areas to experience ‘dumsor’ today

    Nungua barrier, other areas to experience ‘dumsor’ today

    Today, Monday, June 12, 2023, some areas in Tema, Accra may experience blackout from :00 am to 2:00 pm.

    The action according to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will aid the company perform a maintenance exercise as well as improve service delivery to the residents of the impacted areas.

    The areas to be affected include; Bused, GBC Training School, Kokobribri, Royal Ravico, Nungua Barrier, Alton Hotel, Regimanuel Estates, Queensland Int. School and its environs.”

    The Electricity Company of Ghana also apologised to its customers for every inconvenience caused as power will be restored at 2 pm.

    “ECG regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise,” the company added.

    The ECG frequently conducts this maintenance exercise to improve the quality of delivery of service to its large pool of customers.

  • ECG implements cashless system

    ECG implements cashless system

    The Volta Regional Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun rejecting cash payments at several service centers.

    This change comes as a result of a nationwide directive to implement a cashless system in all ECG offices throughout the country.

    Although some customers may need time to adjust, they are optimistic that this new method will eventually provide a more convenient way of purchasing power.

    After almost two years of piloting, the cashless system is fully being implemented, resulting in the cessation of cash payments at all 300 ECG offices nationwide.

    The Managing Director of ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama, stated that this move aims to enhance the efficiency of the power distribution company’s revenue collection efforts.

    The company has been conducting extensive training programs for customers who are unfamiliar with the new policy.

    Customers who arrive with cash are now directed to deposit the funds into their mobile money accounts before receiving any services.

  • Govt must be transparent about ongoing ‘dumsor’ – Minority

    Govt must be transparent about ongoing ‘dumsor’ – Minority

    Government must come clear on the current on-going load shedding for Ghanaians, according to minority in parliament.

    According to the Minority, they have observed with serious concern, the recent persistent power outages also known as ‘dumsor’ being witnessed across the country, particularly during peak hours.

    “This appears to be worsening with many parts of the country experiencing long hours of darkness without prior notice to consumers.

    “While most Ghanaians have been witnessing intermittent power outages, others have been experiencing low currents and occasional high voltage leading to damages of their electrical gadgets and equipment in some cases,” the Ranking Member on Mines and Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor stated in press release .

    He continued: “It is a well known fact especially, amongst energy sector players that the current outages the country is experiencing is due to gas shortages coupled with serious challenges with the procurement of alternative fuels due the precarious financial state of the Energy sector SOEs.

    “Most of the Energy sector SOEs have continued to witness worsening financial positions since the assumption of office of President Akufo-Addo and Dr Bawumia, despite their administration receiving over 20 billion cedis in ESLA revenues and about 40 billion cedis in petroleum revenues.

    He stated that more disturbing is the deliberate decision by Government communicators and Energy Sector SOEs to keep mute whilst the ordinary Ghanaian is made to experience this avoidable state of load shedding.

    “We therefore call on Government and responsible government agencies to come clean on the current state of power outages as a matter of urgency and provide a schedule if need be to enable the ordinary consumer and industry to plan and avoid damages of their electrical equipment.”

  • Recent power disruptions ‘largely’ rectified

    Recent power disruptions ‘largely’ rectified

    The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has stated that the recent power shortages in several sections of the country have been dealt with.

    Debilitating power cuts have been recorded in parts of the country in recent weeks with residents fuming over the unannounced intermittent outages.

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 11, Mr Dubik Mahama assured that the situation has been resolved.

    “There was a low-pressure power issue that led to us having to dump some power, over 2230 megawatts of power two days ago. Steps have been taken, and some alternative fuel has been brought in”.

    “But as we speak the matter has been resolved largely. There is enough heavy fuel with AKSA and there is some diesel with CEM power, so we will not have such problems down the line, but we have to make sure that at every point in time, there is enough fuel for this situation.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has blamed the situation on challenges with the gas pipeline from Nigeria.

    In an interview with the media, the Corporate Communications Manager of GRIDCo, Dzifa Bampoh assured of efforts to resolve the challenges.

    She apologised to Ghanaians for the challenges associated with the power supply.

    “We had a gas supply challenge from Nigeria. That has been the fundamental reason, and it has led to a multiplier effect, meaning our generating plants which use gas cannot operate fully.”.

    “On Monday and Wednesday, we had challenges getting a full-capacity of power supply and that is why there has been intermittent power supply. We apologise to Ghanaians for it, because ultimately, if there’s going to be any shortage even if it’s for a day, we are obliged to inform Ghanaians.”

  • Parts of Accra to experience power outage tomorrow

    Parts of Accra to experience power outage tomorrow

    Parts of Accra to experience power outage tomorrow, Friday April, 21, according to Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    In a public notice, the ECG noted that this is to allow the power distributor to improve its service delivery.

    The power company in a notice stated that the work is scheduled to start on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

    According to ECG, areas to be affected as a result of the exercise are; Tesano, Abeka, Alajo, Caprice, North Kaneshie, Santana market, Achobo best, Kouttam, Poly product, Kane em, Duraplast, Ashfoam.

    The rest are Qualiplast, Corona, IPNL Romarong, Fowrewin Ghana, Panasonic, Polytex, Poly Craft, Piccadilly, Top Packaging, Deco plast, Innolink, Burger King, Winners Chapel, Volta Garments and Ghihoc Distillery.

    “ECG regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise,” the power distributor added.

  • NAPO assists ECG in collecting its debts

    NAPO assists ECG in collecting its debts

    The Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has said that he fully endorses the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) efforts to recover every pesewa owing to the firm.

    According to him it is important the company remains viable to deliver efficient service to consumers.

    Dr. Prempeh made these assertions when he led the ECG’s revenue protection task force to two companies that owed the company various sums of money.

    The Minister during these two engagements bemoaned the situation where companies pile up bills for a very long time and refuse to pay.

    “As a country, we cannot continue to countenance the attitude of non-payment of bills, among other illegalities and expect optimal service delivery,” he said.

    He continued “The financial capacity of the generator, transmitter and distributor is very much anchored on prompt payment of bills, especially as we work to clamp down on all forms of losses and intra-sector debts.”

    “These 3 segments of the power value-chai are symbiotically dependent on each other, and therefore we must work together to clamp down on all forms of losses”.

    The Minister said, there is no excuse whatsoever for the non-payment of electricity bills and drew an analogy where one cannot negotiate with OMCs to get fuel into his or her car.

    “When you need fuel, you cannot but pay to get it, why can’t you do same for the electricity you consume,” he quizzed

    The Minister who is also the Manhyia South MP further said that the unbearable cost of fuel for generators incurred by Ghanaians during the ‘Dumsor’ era between 2013 and 2016 is indicative of the luxury of power supply currently, and therefore urged consumers to pay promptly for the value chain to function effectively.

    The ECG taskforce continues to mount operations to retrieve all debts owed by the company.

  • I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    I fixed ‘dumsor’ though I did not create it – Mahama

    John Dramani Mahama, a former president, claimed that the energy challenge (dumsor) was something he inherited.

    However, he said, he took responsibility for the problem and solved it before leaving office in 2016.

    Mr Mahama indicated that the dumsor was a generation problem therefore his government invested in power generation as part of the solution.

    Speaking to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, April 14, Mr Mahama who is seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NDC said “In 2016, I wouldn’t say Ghana was a paradise but our situation was far better than it is today.

    “In 2016 our colleagues the NPP told a lot of lies about us, they labelled us as incompetent and they came with a lot of big and sweet promises to the people of Ghana and used that to persuade the people that they will be a better government than we were.

    “And so the people of Ghana tried them by voting for them, they said they should try them and that was the mistake the people of Ghana made because we have come to realise that after all the ‘we have the men. we have the men’ it was station boys, they don’t know anything.”

    He added, “If you take our ministers who were running this country in 2016 and compare them with their ministers who are running Ghana today pound for pound, our ministers were far better than any of them.”

    He further indicated that “We solved many difficult challenges, dumsor was not created by us, it was lack of generation capacity over the years, and so when we came into office we were confronted with it, we did not run away, we did not shift the blame to somebody.

    “I could have said Presidents Rawlings and Kuffuor and President Mills did not add new generation but what we did was, we took responsibility, I went to Parliament and said yes you elected us to take responsibility, we take responsibility and we shall fix it.

    “Truly, by the time we left in 2016, we had fixed dumsor, we had fixed the generational challenges Indeed, they accused us of putting in too much generation than we needed.”

  • Dumsor ends! – Ghana Gas announces

    Dumsor ends! – Ghana Gas announces

    The Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) has announced completion of the maintenance work on the Atuabo plant effectively ending the recent load management exercise being carried out by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    A statement issued late Friday, April 7, 2023, signed by Head of Corporate Communications of GNGC, Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu, indicated, “the entire maintenance activities ended in the late hours of Wednesday 5th April ,2023”.

    “We are currently at a flow rate of 90 mmscfd,” the statement added.

    The release further extended appreciation to the general public for their patience and cooperation during the period of shutdown.

    Read the full statement below 

  • ECG warns clients against harassing its employees

    ECG warns clients against harassing its employees

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has sternly warned its consumers against attacking its employees.

    Some staff of the company have recently come under attack while executing the company’s ongoing revenue mobilisation programme to recover some GH¢5.7 billion owed by the consuming public.

    ECG cited the detention of its personnel by the Ghana Post Company over a GH¢89,000 debt to buttress its caution.

    Some personnel of the Company were detained on March 28 by Ghana Post Company when they attempted to disconnect power over the GH¢89,000 debt.

    In a statement the ECG therefore, cautioned the general public against illegal connections and attacks on its personnel in the line of their duty which it said is a crime under Ll 2413.

    It said it will not countenance any attacks and hesitate to disconnect any customer that owes the Company or threatens its staff.

    “The Company hereby gives public notice that any customer/consumer, be they an Individual or company who refuses to allow the Company’s personnel to perform their functions as permitted by Ll 2413, will be disconnected. Further, where an assault on our staff is committed, the consumer will continue to be disconnected until such period of time that the customer has confirmed intention in writing to ensure the safety of ECG’s personnel who have rightfully entered the premises to discharge their duties and pledge not to interfere with the company’s personnel in this regard.

    “The Company further reserves its right to initiate either civil or criminal action or both against the consumer and or its officers.”

  • ECG issues nationwide “Dumsor” schedule

    ECG issues nationwide “Dumsor” schedule

    A nationwide load-shedding schedule has been announced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in response to a decrease in power generation imposed on by the shutdown of the Atuabo gas processing plant.

    The load-shedding which kicked off on Thursday, March 30, will last till Friday, April 7, 2023, between 6.00pm and 11.00pm.

    The ECG in a statement explained that this is due to “maintenance works being carried out by the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) at Atuabo, [hence] there is a power generation shortfall. In this regard, please find below a load management schedule from Thursday, 30th March to Friday 7th April 2023, between 6.00pm and 11.00pm”.

    Volta, Ashanti, Western, Eastern, Central, Greater Accra and Tema will all be affected.

    “We call on our customers to bear the inconvenience with us while the Ghana Gas Processing Plant undertakes this all-important maintenance activity,” the ECG appealed in its statement.

    Some of the affected places in group A include: South Odorkor, Baah Yard, Odorgonno, Awoshie Massalatsi, Been-To, Parts of Trasacco, Estates, Parts of Airport Residential Area, GHIPSS, ValCo Trust, Enterprise Market, Trust Bank, Shippers Council, ABSA Bank, Ecobank, Adabraka Free Town, Government Boys, GNTC Bottling, Nayak, Ga East Hospital, Dome New Market, Agingo, Taifa, Nkatie Burger, Mr. Adjei, Demod.

    Others are Hotel Adodo, CMB Flats, Coffee Shop, Parts of Labadi, Parts of Labone, Olebu, New Ayawaso, Amamole, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ayigbe Town, Parts of Lartebiokorshie, Alogboshie, Neoplan, Best Point, Kaneshie Flats, St. Theresa, Cocoa Clinic, Accra Sound, Kaneshie Sports Complex, Parts of Kokomlemle, Mallam Atta Market.

  • ‘Dumsor’ hits Energy Ministry

    ‘Dumsor’ hits Energy Ministry

    Last Tuesday March 14, 2023, the Electricity Company of Ghana paid a visit to the Ministry of Energy, cutting off electricity to the entire building for over half a day. Power was only restored after the mother ministry of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) paid their debt due in full.

    This will be the fate of many other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) who owe ECG huge amounts of money, forcing the power retailer to embark on a massive revenue mobilization exercise beginning on Monday, March 20, 2023, to Thursday, April 20, 2023.

    The exercise is using almost all ECG staff from top management to junior officers to retrieve all the monies owed them.

    According to the Managing Director, Mr Samuel Dubik Mahama Esq, the company is owed over GHS 5 billion from the month of September 2022 to February 2023.

    Most of this debt resides with the SOEs and MDAs.

    The strategy, therefore, is to take these agencies by storm, from March 20, 2023, and those who refuse to settle their bill immediately will be meted the same punishment as the Ministry of Energy.

    Ahead of this exercise, Mr Dubik Mahama toured all the operational regions of ECG to sensitize the staff on how to go about the mobilization of the revenue, to respect the customer at all times.

    He also reminded the staff that ECG is a business and not a charity and everyone must start to behave as such.

    It is expected that at the end of the exercise, 100% of the debt would be recovered.

  • Dumsor menace gone due to incessant supply of gas – Ghana Gas CEO

    Dumsor menace gone due to incessant supply of gas – Ghana Gas CEO

    Dr. Ben KD Asante, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, has stated that the steady supply of gas from his organization has made Dumsor, a thing of the past.

    “We want to kill dumsor anywhere not just Ghana,” he stated. “Now [with] reliable and incessant supply of gas, that menace of dumsor is gone because we have reliable gas supply now coming.”

    Dr Asante made this known on Wednesday, January 11 when he took his turn at the State of Agencies Report in Accra.

    He said previously there would have been power outage immediately a cable from Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRDICo) falls no matter the amount of gas the country has in store.

    “But the fact that now we are able to provide reliable and sustainable gas to kill that menace of Dumsor, we can all sit here and smile.”

    ‘Commingled gas’

    The Ghana Gas CEO mentioned that aside the supply from Atuabo, there is also reliable supply from the West African Gas Pipeline from Nigeria, giving the country commingled gas to power plants in the Tema enclave, in particular.

    The plants in that enclave include AKSA Energy (203MW), CENPOWER (330MW) and Sunon Asogli (560MW).

    The Company also supplies lean gas to the Volta River Authority’s twin power plant (TAPCO), which generates 330 MW, TICO Plant (330MW), Karpowership (450MW) and Amandi Power Plant (192MW).

    Dr Asante said his outfit’s vision is to supply gas not only across the country but also to the sub-region.

    “The vision of the company is to become a fully integrated gas services firm providing reliable supply of gas and gas derivatives in Ghana and the West African Sub-region,” Dr Asante said.

  • Your monumental corruption, mismanagement to blame for our woes – MP to Akufo-Addo

    The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has taken a swipe at President Akufo-Addo over the current state of economic hardship.

    According to him, Ghanaians are struggling to survive in this economic crisis due to what he termed the government’s blatant corruption and mismanagement of the economy.

    He claimed that President Akufo-Addo’s monumental corruption, combined with the massive size of the government, which he has refused to reduce, is negatively impacting the economy.

    “We are where we are largely because of gross mismanagement, blatant corruption, and indeed, a disregard for laid-down laws and procedures. I mean the banking sector; how do you spend about 26 billion to solve a 12 billion Ghana cedi problem? Who does that? I mean, couldn’t there have been alternative ways of dealing with this issue? Did anyone put a gun to their heads?

    “Then we will talk about power outages (Dumsor). We (NDC) resolved the dumsor before we left. Your own sitting vice president said that John Mahama could not take credit for having solved a problem that he caused, and this is on paper,” Mr. Apaak stated on Metro TV.

    He continued: “So when we say that this government has been the most reckless, has unleashed the most painful and severe hardships, and yet is not even taking responsibility in terms of managing the government itself, the size of government, government activities, and unjustified expenditure.”

    The MP also questioned why the Finance Minister would propose 1.4 billion for an emergency vault in light of the current economic situation.

    “Why? Such an amorphous name. Shouldn’t we know every dollar, every cedi, and where it is going to go at this time? Why are you allocating 1.4 billion? To do what? Why are you still allocating money to a cathedral that has no immediate benefit to us,” he said.

    “If you look at areas we are calling for action, we are calling for the size of government to be reduced. There’s no need to keep an Executive Director in charge of the Keta Port with a staff of 33 people who are being paid and even being offered bonuses for no work that we are seeing.”

  • Dumsor in Parliament not due to ECG disconnection Parliament

    The Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo has refuted claims that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disconnected power to Parliament due to outstanding debt.

    According to her, even though Parliament suffered power outages on Wednesday, the power cut was due to an internal fault.

    “My conversation with the head of the Development Department shows that there was no such disconnection. On Wednesday, we had two power trips, and it had nothing to do with ECG coming to disconnect power from parliament,” citinewroom.com reports

    Her comment comes after a visit by ECG to Parliament on Wednesday, April 27, to serve them following failure to pay some bill arrears.

    The exercise according to ECG was due to the indebtedness of the House.

    Even though the amount owed was not stated, the report indicates that Parliament has a huge debt of over several million cedis.

    It is based on this Kate Addo has denied claims that the ECG had disconnected Parliament power.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ashongman Estates, Kwabenya, other parts of Accra to experience dumsor today

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has said it will undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery today, Thursday, 11 November 2021.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the service provider on Thursday, 11 November 2020.

    The planned maintenance works will cause an interruption in the power supply to certain areas in Accra from 9 am to 4 pm.

    Affected areas include: “Ashongman Estates, Obaahemaa, Kwabenya, Comet, Agape, NIC, Ofankor, Capital hill, Asofan, Kwashieman, Fadama, Kwashiebu, Tabora, Abeka-Lapaz, Darkuman, Chantan, Israel, Santamaria, Mensah Addo, and its environs.”

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has said it will undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery today, Thursday, 11 November 2021.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the service provider on Thursday, 11 November 2020.

    The planned maintenance works will cause an interruption in the power supply to certain areas in Accra from 9 am to 4 pm.

    Affected areas include: “Ashongman Estates, Obaahemaa, Kwabenya, Comet, Agape, NIC, Ofankor, Capital hill, Asofan, Kwashieman, Fadama, Kwashiebu, Tabora, Abeka-Lapaz, Darkuman, Chantan, Israel, Santamaria, Mensah Addo, and its environs.”

    The service provider however noted that it “regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of the exercise.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • ‘Significant’ system disturbance caused Monday blackout GRIDCo

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has attributed the disruption in power supply experienced by consumers on the night of Monday, November 8, 2021, to significant disturbances experienced in the power system.

    The blackout was for several hours.

    A statement issued by GRIDCo on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, said, “all” generating units within the Aboadze enclave and Bui Power Authority tripped, resulting in outages in parts of Accra, the western, middle, and northern parts of the country.”

    It continued: “At 04:38GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, generating units at Aboadze and Bui were restored, supplying electricity to all major Bulk Supply Points (BSPs)”.

    “At 04:50GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in the process of restoring the remaining BSPs, a second disturbance occurred, resulting in the loss of generating units at Aboadze Enclave and Bui”.

    “This led to another interruption of electricity supply to several areas of Accra, the Western, Middle, and Northern parts of the country.”

    GRIDCo, however, noted that the power supply chain has restored power to all the BSPs.

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has attributed the disruption in power supply experienced by consumers on the night of Monday, November 8, 2021, to significant disturbances experienced in the power system.

    The blackout was for several hours.

    A statement issued by GRIDCo on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, said, “all” generating units within the Aboadze enclave and Bui Power Authority tripped, resulting in outages in parts of Accra, the western, middle, and northern parts of the country.”

    It continued: “At 04:38GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, generating units at Aboadze and Bui were restored, supplying electricity to all major Bulk Supply Points (BSPs)”.

    “At 04:50GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in the process of restoring the remaining BSPs, a second disturbance occurred, resulting in the loss of generating units at Aboadze Enclave and Bui”.

    “This led to another interruption of electricity supply to several areas of Accra, the Western, Middle, and Northern parts of the country.”

    GRIDCo, however, noted that the power supply chain has restored power to all the BSPs.

    It also apologised for any inconvenience caused to Ghanaians.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Parts of Accra to experience Dumsor for two months

    Several parts of Accra will experience severe power outages between October 5 to December 5, 2021, according to a document sighted by Starrfm.com.gh.

    According to the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the outages are to undertake “planned works” within the AchimotaAccra Central Lines.

    Some of the areas to be affected have been categorised into groups A, B, and C.

    Group A Adabraka Old Timers, Mamprobi, Chorkor, Ageege, Lartebiokorshie, Valco Trust, Teachers Hall, among others.

    In Group B Appolo Theatre, Asylum Down, Adabraka Market, Korle Gonno, Sukura, Mamprobi Poly Clinic, James Town, Mataheko, etc.

    Group C includes Central Police Station, Cocobod, Kingsway, Abossey Okai, Chorkor, Appiah Danquah, Graphic Press House, SSNIT, etc.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • We are sorry for not releasing dumsor timetable – ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti region has apologized to consumers for not coming out with a scheduled timetable during the recent power outages they witnessed in the region.

    According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ECG, Erasmus Baidoo, his outfit was unable to release a timetable for some parts of the region during the power cuts months ago.

    Erasmus Baidoo noted that despite the public backlash, there’s been a considerable change in the situation.

    Speaking on Asaase radio, the P.R.O explained that, “Sometimes we have most areas going off and another time we have quite a number going off and that has been the situation, but as I said over the past few weeks, we have seen some level of improvement.”

    He added: “We are hoping that it will keep improving until we are over it. So we apologise sincerely for the inability to come out with a timetable,” she added.

    He noted that the maintenance work carried out is nearing completion.

    It would be recalled that residents in the Ashanti region had in the few months bemoaned the high rate of power outages in the region.

    The residents lamented that their lights go off unannounced, an issue that angered them.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Intermittent power cuts to end on May 17 GRIDCo

    The scheduled interruptions in power supply to parts of Accra, arising from the construction of the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP), begin this week and will end on Monday, 17th May 2021, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has said.

    According to GRIDCo, the outages will affect parts of western Accra and will last for eight (8) days.

    A timetable to guide the eight-day schedule has already been circulated by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to the affected customers and the general public.

    A number of key projects are currently ongoing to enhance power supply reliability in Greater Accra, Central and Ashanti regions.

    The US$60m Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP) project, funded by the US government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is expected to be completed by the first half of 2021.

    Upon completion, it will provide flexibility for ECG to distribute power around the city in case of challenges in other parts of the system and will benefit over 350,000 households overall.

    A statement said “The Kasoa Bulk Supply Point (BSP) project, also funded by the MCC at a cost of US$50m, will be completed by August 2021, and will benefit over 251,000 households. The project will help reduce the reliance on the Mallam BSP for power distribution to the Central region and will improve reliability and supply quality to Kasoa and its environs.”

    “Significant reduction in transmission and distribution losses are some of the benefits to be derived from the completion of this project. Anticipated power interruptions in relation to the Kasoa project will be communicated to the general public in due course.”

    “Apart from these, other projects are ongoing in parts of the capital and the Ashanti region to address specific challenges. The AFD funded 161kV Tema Achimota Mallam transmission reinforcement project, for example, will increase transmission capacity more than four-fold, enabling the transfer of adequate power from the Tema enclave to Accra. It will also provide enough redundancy in the transmission and distribution systems.

    “The power system is currently characterized by low voltages, especially in Kumasi and the central/northern parts of the country. Occasionally, some feeders in Kumasi are switched off to prevent voltage collapse, leading to intermittent outages.

    “The completion of the AnwomasoKintampo transmission project (set before the end of 2021) is expected to eliminate current transmission bottlenecks and ensure supply reliability to Kumasi and the northern parts of the country. These are all aimed at boosting the efficiency of the value chain in order for customers to enjoy quality, reliable and stable power supply.

    “The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) wish to assure Ghanaians of their urgent commitment to complete the projects on time to bring relief to the system and customers.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Dumsor: ECG releases timetable

    The Electricity Company of Ghana has announced a time table for power cuts in parts of the capital city beginning Monday, May 10, 2021.

    This follows an ongoing system improvement works on the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point.

    ECG in a statement indicated that, the project will require a complete shutdown of the 330kv transmission line thereby affecting power supply and reliability to the Mallam Bulk Supply Point.

    “As part of projects to improve power supply reliability and system voltages, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana will undertake interruptions in power supply to facilitate the work of contractors at various stages and times.

    “In this regard, the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP) which is near completion and sponsored by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) under the auspices of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) will require a tie into GRIDCo’s 330kv transmission line,” the statement read.

    Power, however, is expected to stabilize on Monday, May 17, 2021.

    Find below the dumsor timetable:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dumsor will persist if cash flow problems of utility companies are not resolved – IES

    The Institute for Energy Security (IES) is projecting prolonged power outages if the cash flow problems of the utility companies are not addressed soon.

    According to Institute, the Electricity Company of Ghana and Northern Electricity Development Company (NEDCO) are making power losses of about 30%.

    The country in recent times has been facing intermittent power supply, the latest of which was last night, a situation distributors attributed to a fault at the Aboadze Ahomaso transmission line.

    But speaking on the situation, Executive Director of the institute, Nana Amoasi VII said the situation will worsen if the monetary problems in the power sector are not checked.

    “We see more of a cash flow challenge on the utilities and if it continues, then of course, Dumsor will stay with us for a long time.”

    He insists there is this cash constraint because the utility companies, ECG and NEDCO are as distributers are saddled with both technical and commercial losses.

    “They [ECG and NEDCO] take the power generated by the producers through the transmitter, GRIDCO and they have to sell this power to consumers. They have high technical loss, they have high commercial losses.”

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • We are not back to ‘Dumsor’ – Minister of Energy assures Ghanaians

    The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has appealed to Ghanaians to remain calm as steps are taken to address the intermittent power outages being experienced in some parts of the country.

    According to him, there was no way the government would allow the country to slip back into the prolonged period of power outages between 2012 and 2016 which became known as ‘Dumsor’.

    “We are working feverishly to resolve the challenges which have arisen as a result of technical difficulties with our transmission lines and it is our hope that that issue will be resolved by the end of the year” he assured.

    Dr Prempeh made the call yesterday when he paid a day’s working visit to the Ghana Grid Company (GridCo).

    The visit was to afford him first-hand information on the scope of work currently being undertaken to address the power challenges.

    The Minister said what was happening had nothing to do with financial challenges as being speculated but rather purely technical.

    He explained that most of the transmission lines currently transporting electricity to the various substations were as old as the 1950s and 60s and had not witnessed any remarkable improvement.

    “These our lines that we have just been informed about, were strung in the 50s and some in the 60s. The power it was supposed to transmit to Accra has increased tremendously due to the expansion of Accra yet the lines have remained the same. They are now giving us lines that can improve the power situation in Accra,” he emphasised.

    Dr Prempeh said what was required now was the forbearance of the Ghanaian because what was being planned and implemented would better improve the situation for all.

    “We should all be sincere and truthful in our communication. In 2016, the whole country was given periods when we are to receive power and when to be off. In 2016, the government of the day told us it was a generation problem. Even the opposition then said the government did not have money to buy fuel to power the generators. This is not a generation problem, this is not about fuel so how can we call it ‘Dumsor’?” he queried.

    He said government had included in the budget for this year the provision to improve on the electricity supply systems and it was going to continue until the whole country’s system improves.

    The Director of Engineers Project at GridCo, Mr Owusu Afriyie said the site for the Volta-Achimota-Transmission upgrade was constructed in 1965 and had not seen any upgrade since.

    He said the company was currently upgrading it to ensure that it is able to transfer more load to Accra.

    Mr Afriyie explained that when completed, the lines would increase their load capacity by about three-fold from the current 420mega watts to about 1200mega watts.

    He noted that the project had commenced from the Volta substation which was one of GridCo’s Bulk Supply Point in Tema to Achimota, a distance of about 27kilometres.

    “By the completion of this project, we will have more power to the Achimota substation transferred from the Volta substation to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to distribute,” he emphasised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dumsor is not looming – Government insists

    Government has dispelled suggestions of a return to dumsor following weeks of incessant power outages in the country.

    Government has been heavily criticised by members of the public who are demanding the truth about the state of the energy sector, with some calling on the government to release a load shedding schedule to salvage the situation “We want consistency in the power supply, we don’t want dumsor to come back, but if for some reason it is, let us know the schedule so we will plan accordingly and stop destroying our electrical gadgets.”

    “When Nana Addo came to power, didn’t he say he had solved the dumsor, so what is happening now?” were some of the comments from a section of Ghanaians Ghanaguardian.com interacted with.

    However, reacting to the concerns, representative of the President at the Finance Ministry, Charles Aduboahen insists despite the recent outages, the country is not returning to the dumsor era.

    Mr Aduboahen who was speaking to Multimedia’s Emefa Apawu on The Probe, Sunday, March 14, 2021, as monitored by Ghanaguardian.com said “our biggest challenge with the energy situation is the excess capacity charge, our installed capacity is slightly lower to 5000 megawatts and I think our peak demand is about 3000 megawatts and so we have 2000 megawatts in excess capacity.”

    “In terms of the reliability of power, there was a recent incident with Gridco where there was a system shutdown. I think also the other issue may be on the gas supply’ He further stated

    But when pushed by the host on whether the country is inching toward another dumsor era, Mr Aduboahen insisted, “there is no energy crisis looming, that I can reassure you.”

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Dumsor is not back, ECG replacing obsolete machines – Amewu

    Minister-designate John Peter Amewu has stated that Ghana is not back to the dark days popularly known as dumsor.

    He was responding to a question by Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak on whether Ghana was back to dumsor.

    In his response, he said dumsor is not back and the prolonged era of intermittent power is now a thing of the past.

    When asked what was accounting for the recent power outages, he said there is an ongoing replacement of obsolete equipment.

    He said President has injected an amount of $100 million for the ECG to replace some of the equipment.

    He said what the ECG should do is to inform the affected areas where the replacements were ongoing.

    Parts of the Greater Accra Region has experienced a power outage.

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) explained that the development was to pave way for planned maintenance work to improve service delivery.

    The outfit has since apologised for any convenience the outage will cause.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Dumsor will not return Government quells fears following threats by IPPs

    The Finance Ministry has quelled fears that power cuts, popularly known as “dumsor”, will return following threats by Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to strike over government indebtedness to them.

    In a statement dated December 3, 2020, the Finance Ministry said this year, government has paid more than US$1 billion to the IPPs, which is in addition to some GH¢2.7 billion paid by Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG).

    “Government has saved the energy sector over US$5 billion by relocating Karpowership Ghana Company Limited and securing agreements with CENIT Power Limited and Cenpower Generation Company Limited, with more savings to come,” the statement from the Finance Ministry explained.

    The statement said the government is committed to undertaking the Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP) in good faith and in partnership with its stakeholders.

    According to the government, many of the current problems in the energy sector were inherited from the previous administration.

    “While attempting to provide emergency power to address a spate of persistent load-shedding (“dumsor”) which crippled business and adversely affected GDP growth as a result of signed contracts with IPPs in an uncoordinated and non-competitive manner.

    “Consequently, today, Ghana pays over US$500 million a year in excess capacity payments, i.e., payment for power that it simply does not use or need. Despite the challenges, this government has prioritised making payments to the IPPs to reduce the debts,” the statement added.

    Last month, the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Distributors and Bulk Consumers said it has resolved to withdraw their services in the coming days ad infinitum.

    This move, according to them, follows the inability of the government of Ghana and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to meet their demand to settle, at least, 80% of their overdue receivables worth about US$1 billion, as a matter of urgency and priority.

    The threat by the chamber prompted fears of a return to dumsor.

    Read the full statement from the Ministry of Finance HERE:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • IPPs creating unnecessary tension with threats over monies owed them Deputy Minister

    Government has accused the umbrella body of Independent Power Producers, the Chamber of Independent Power Producers Distributors and Bulk Consumers of exhibiting traits of a pressure group.

    A Deputy Minister for Energy in charge of power, William Owuraku Aidoo says the Chamber is creating unnecessary tension with their threats to interrupt power supply over monies owed them by the government.

    He said it is unfortunate that the Chamber is issuing such threats when the country is heading into elections next month.

    “The Chamber is being used as a pressure institution to pressure government into doing things that it is already doing; having one on one discussions with individual power producers and so on. With three weeks to elections, it is very unfortunate to hear this Chamber of Independent Power Producers coming out to say they will pull the plug on us, creating unnecessary panic within the system. My recent interaction with them shows there is no cause for alarm, so it is very worrying that they will come out and say things the individual power producers are not saying,” he said.

    William Owuraku Aidoo said the government remains committed to settling debt owned Independent Power Producers in the country.

    He explains that the Cash Waterfall Mechanism instituted in 2019 has been instrumental in servicing such legacy debts.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • ECG blames recent outages on Saturdays rainstorm

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says its engineers are working to restore power to parts of the Greater Accra Region currently facing power outages.

    According to ECG, the outages are as a result of the rainstorm that hit parts of the country on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

    ECG said the rainstorm affected some of its distribution network hence the outages on Saturday and Sunday.

    “The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Limited wishes to inform its cherished customers in the Greater Accra that the heavy rainstorm which hit the region yesterday, 10th October 2020, has caused outages within the distribution network.”

    “Customers should please note that our Engineers are working assiduously to restore power supply to affected customers.”

    It however urged persons experiencing outages to report to the nearest ECG office.

    “Customers experiencing outages within their individual premises should kindly contact our call centre on 0302611611, report to the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles @ECGghOfficial.”

    Below is the statement from ECG

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Power outages sweep Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta and Eastern regions

    Accra, Aug.28, GNA – Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) is investigating the cause of a major power disruption in parts of the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta and Eastern regions on Friday night.

    Some residents in the affected areas told the Ghana News Agency that they experienced the power outages between 1923 hours and 1930 hours.

    However, power was restored to the affected areas after almost two hours.

    Some of the affected areas in the Greater Accra Region included Weija, Mallam, McCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Awoshie, Sowutuom, A-Lang, Kwashieman, Darkuman, Odorko Official Town, Santa Maria, Ablekuma Oduman, Malejor and Teshie.

    A resident at Oyarifa said the power was restored at exactly 2049 hours after one and half hours.

    Another resident at Sowutuom said the power was restored at her area after groping in darkness for almost two hours.

    Some residents complained that they had been experiencing power outages a couple of times within this week, which had disrupted their social and economic activities.

    Source: GNA

  • Darkness at Diabene SHS sparks student protest

    Final year and second-year Gold Track students of Diabene Senior High and Technical School in Takoradi went on rampage Saturday night after a female student collapsed.

    It is unclear what might have caused the fainting of the students but her mates fear it may be as a result of spiritual attack.

    According to them, authorities have turned a deaf ear to their calls for an improvement in the lighting at their hostel.

    The second-year students complained that they have been experiencing spiritual attacks, which has resulted in many of them collapsing more often than not.

    The confusion on Saturday night saw parents trooping to the school to take their wards home.

    In the midst of the confusion, the Covid-19 precautionary measures were ignored.

    The authorities at the school are yet to comment on the matter.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • ECG announces seven-hour dumsor in parts of Accra from today

    Beginning today, Monday June 8, some parts of the Greater Accra Region will be without electricity for about seven hours.

    According to the Electricity Company of Ghana, the power cuts is necessary to undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery

    ECG says that the exercise will end on Thursday, 11th June, 2020.