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Tag: dumsor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    However, his coping mechanisms were not without criticism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Please find the police statement below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read the police statement below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    Business owners grappling with ‘dumsor’ calls for government intervention

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

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

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

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

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

    Watch video below for more details:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Read the ECG statement below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    5. We have not cancelled surgeries due to ‘dumsor’ – Korle Bu Hospital management

      We have not cancelled surgeries due to ‘dumsor’ – Korle Bu Hospital management

      The management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has refuted claims that critical surgeries were cancelled on Monday, April 29, due to the ongoing power outages affecting the facility.

      Reports circulated in the media on Monday suggested that patients in need of critical medical procedures were sent back to their wards due to the power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor.’

      However, the hospital’s management released a statement stating that such reports were misleading.

      They clarified that Monday’s incident was actually caused by a low current situation at the facility, which lasted approximately 45 minutes.

      The statement clarified that “two cases at the Department of Surgery were returned to the ward at the end of the day on account of limited space in the recovery ward and not because of power outage. The rest of the other theatres spread across the hospital all carried out their surgeries as scheduled.”

      The hospital also urged the public to be cautious in sharing unverified stories, as they can undermine public confidence and cause unnecessary fear and discomfort among patients.

      “We wish to appeal to the media to exercise great circumspection in publishing stories that are not fully verified because they undermine public confidence and create unnecessary fear and discomfort among our patients,” the statement concluded.

      Meanwhile, Health Minister-designate Bernard Okoe-Boye has advised health facilities to utilize alternative power sources, particularly generator sets, in response to the recent erratic power supply.

      He emphasized that hospitals are integral parts of the country and are thus affected by any challenges the nation faces.

      “Because someone did a video of one minute, and 40 seconds and said lights have gone out, everybody goes emotional. The truth is that, if the country experiences some issues with power availability, hospitals are not outside the country, they will also experience some.”

      “Another truth is that most of our hospitals have standby power plants, but just like management of a house, you can go to a house, they have a generator but maybe the generator has an issue.”

      Speaking at a press briefing during his visit to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, he added “The one to put in petrol has an issue. Let’s stick to the essentials. Let’s ask a hospital, how is your generator? Is it working? If it’s not working, have you approached the ministry? If it’s working, who was in charge? Why didn’t you make it work? I don’t want to go into the details. We should not get sensational. Let’s stick to the essentials.

      “If we want to discuss power supply in hospitals and standby generators, let’s discuss it. That is the way to make progress. You can do an audit, in Accra, there are 40 government hospitals, out of the 40, about thirty have power plants. Ten don’t have. Doctor, what are you doing about it? That is the way to make progress,” the minister-designate said.

    6. “Join me in another DumsorMustStop vigil” – Yvonne Nelson announces protest, calls on Ghanaians

      “Join me in another DumsorMustStop vigil” – Yvonne Nelson announces protest, calls on Ghanaians

      Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson is rallying citizens for a “DumsorMustStop” vigil, seeking to unite Ghanaians in addressing the nation’s persistent power outages. In a passionate plea on social media, Nelson calls for collective action and accountability from leaders to resolve the power crisis known as Dumsor.

      Reflecting on her advocacy during the 2015 campaign, Nelson emphasizes the non-partisan nature of this issue and invites Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds to join the cause. Despite the challenges faced in the past and the current political landscape, she believes in the power of unity to bring about change.

      Nelson extends a special invitation to legal professionals, volunteers, and concerned citizens to support the vigil, emphasizing that the fight against Dumsor is a shared responsibility. She encourages those interested to contact her directly to contribute to this important cause.

      For the full details of Yvonne Nelson’s call to action, read her heartfelt letter and join the movement for a brighter future in Ghana.

    7. Korle Bu cancels Monday’s surgeries due to dumsor

      Korle Bu cancels Monday’s surgeries due to dumsor

      Multiple crucial surgeries slated for Monday, April 29, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital had to be canceled due to intermittent power disruptions.

      Patients scheduled for tumor surgeries were brought to the surgical theater but were eventually returned to the wards as doctors deemed the power situation unreliable.

      An anonymous doctor expressed concern, stating,“These are critical cases, and we can’t afford to risk people’s lives,”

      Furthermore, dysfunctional elevators left numerous patients stranded on different floors for extended periods, exacerbating the situation.

      Sources revealed that even the hospital’s generator was non-operational, adding to the distress of medical staff.

      “This is the second time my surgery was cancelled. The first was because the oxygen machine wasn’t working. Today, it’s due to power fluctuations. I’m really scared, but what can I do? I leave everything to God.”

    8. ‘Dumsor’ crisis gradually coming to an end – ECG reportedly claims

      ‘Dumsor’ crisis gradually coming to an end – ECG reportedly claims

      Sources close to the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG), according to Asaasenews, have confirmed that the seven weeks of load-shedding that have affected the entire country are gradually coming to an end.

      Sunday, April 28, 2024, the report said, marked a significant improvement in power generation, making it the best weekend since the load-shedding began.

      As a result of these improvements, no part of the nation experienced load management on Sunday, the report added.

      However, this claim has been contested by some citizens living at Frafraha, John Tei, who say they experienced power outages on the said day.

      Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reassured that the ongoing power supply issues, known as ‘dumsor‘, will soon be resolved.

      He made this statement during his campaign tour of the Eastern Region while speaking to the Clergy and Imams in Akropong on Monday, April 29.

      Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to address the issue, which has led to criticism of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by businesses, groups, and individuals.

      “I know there are challenges and I don’t want to paper over economic challenges. We are going to work on them. Currently, we have issues with power but I say that from the information I have received from the minister for energy, those power challenges will very soon, and I mean very soon be a thing of the past,” the vice president said.

      The Ghana Union of Traders Association has joined the voices calling on ECG for a load-shedding timetable to guide their operations.

      Despite this, ECG has maintained that the current challenge does not necessitate a load-shedding timetable.

    9. People are now fed up – Former A-G reacts to ‘dumsor’ crisis

      People are now fed up – Former A-G reacts to ‘dumsor’ crisis

      Former Attorney-General Betty Mould-Iddrisu has added her voice to the ongoing discourse on Ghana’s power crisis.

      Mrs. Mould-Iddrisu particularly highlighted the challenges faced in the Ashanti Region, especially after the renaming of the Ameri plant, describing the level of power outages as unprecedented.

      “After the renaming of the Ameri plant, the dumsor that we have experienced in the region [Ashanti Region] is unparalleled, even during our time, there wasn’t dumsor like that, and people are now fed up.”

      She asserted that the Mahama administration handled the situation more effectively than the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

      Her remarks come in response to former GIMPA Rector Professor Stephen Adei’s comments, who suggested that the current power crisis is less severe than it was under the Mahama administration.

      Speaking to TV3, Mrs. Mould-Iddrisu expressed concern over the current erratic power supply under the NDC, noting that it is not as severe as the situation under the current Akufo-Addo administration.

    10. Mahama handled ‘dumsor’ better than Akufo-Addo – Betty Mould-Iddrisu

      Mahama handled ‘dumsor’ better than Akufo-Addo – Betty Mould-Iddrisu

      Former Attorney-General Betty Mould-Iddrisu has commented on Ghana’s ongoing power crisis, contrasting the management of the situation between the Mahama and current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administrations.

      Mould-Iddrisu’s remarks were prompted by former GIMPA Rector Professor Stephen Adei’s recent statement, suggesting that the current power crisis is not as severe as it was during the Mahama administration.

      In an interview with TV3, Mould-Iddrisu expressed concern over the current erratic power supply under the NPP, noting that it was not as dire as the situation during the Mahama era.

      She particularly highlighted challenges faced in the Ashanti Region, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to the power crisis.

      “After the renaming of the Ameri plant, the dumsor that we have experienced in the region [Ashanti Region] is unparalleled, even during our time, there wasn’t dumsor like that, and people are now fed up.”

    11. ‘Dumsor’ will soon be a thing of the past – Bawumia

      ‘Dumsor’ will soon be a thing of the past – Bawumia

      The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reassured that the ongoing power supply issues, known as ‘dumsor‘, will soon be resolved.

      He made this statement during his campaign tour of the Eastern Region while speaking to the Clergy and Imams in Akropong on Monday, April 29.

      Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to address the issue, which has led to criticism of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) by businesses, groups, and individuals.

      “I know there are challenges and I don’t want to paper over economic challenges. We are going to work on them. Currently, we have issues with power but I say that from the information I have received from the minister for energy, those power challenges will very soon, and I mean very soon be a thing of the past,” the vice president said.

      The Ghana Union of Traders Association has joined the voices calling on ECG for a load-shedding timetable to guide their operations.

      Despite this, ECG has maintained that the current challenge does not necessitate a load-shedding timetable.

    12. Dumsor collapsing pub and club businesses

      Dumsor collapsing pub and club businesses

      Intermittent power outages in parts of Accra have resulted in substantial financial setbacks for pubs, clubs, and eateries in the city.

      Business owners attribute the inability to refrigerate perishable goods and entertain patrons as the main causes of these losses.

      Osu, recognized as Accra’s nightlife hotspot, typically teems with activity after dark, boasting a diverse array of pubs, clubs, and dining establishments.

      However, the unpredictable electricity supply has inflicted severe blows on these enterprises. One such venue, Philipos Tilapia Joint, is grappling with significant financial losses due to the recent power interruptions.

      Mary Avenue, the chef at Philipos Tilapia Joint, echoes similar concerns in an interview with Citi News. She notes that they’ve had to scale back their fish purchases due to the uncertainty surrounding power availability, adversely impacting their business operations.

      Furthermore, the inability to play music and maintain optimal drink temperatures has resulted in customer dissatisfaction and a downturn in business.

      “It’s really affecting us because, for some time now, we used to buy our fish in bulk, but because of the light off, we now buy it half because we don’t know what might happen. Secondly, we can’t play music and the drinks become very hot. When the customers come around and you talk to them, they say it’s too hot, meaning the customer has to leave. It makes the work too hard for us, so that’s the challenge we are facing here.”

      John Asare, supervisor at Shades Lounge, expressed concern about escalating unemployment rates in the country, fearing exacerbation if power outages persist.

      He emphasized that prolonged power disruptions could deter customers, hampering revenue generation for businesses and potentially resulting in layoffs.

      “This could lead to unemployment because definitely when we are not getting customers due to the power outage and then the business is not running, we won’t get money to pay our workers so definitely we will only ask them to leave.”

      In response to this challenge, pub and eatery proprietors in Accra are advocating for a load-shedding schedule, aiming to gain operational predictability and alleviate the adverse effects of power interruptions.

    13. We will fix it – Bawumia assures Ghanaians amidst ‘dumsor’ crisis

      We will fix it – Bawumia assures Ghanaians amidst ‘dumsor’ crisis

      A video circulating on social media shows Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia addressing the ongoing intermittent power outages (known as “dumsor“) faced by Ghanaians.

      As he was leaving Parliament, a concerned citizen shouted “dumsor no,” catching the Vice President’s attention. In response, Dr. Bawumia said, “yoo, ye be ye,” which translates to “okay, we will fix it.”

      Ghanaians have been experiencing these power cuts for over a month, prompting calls for the Ministry of Energy to release an official timetable to keep consumers informed about power availability.

      But there has been so sign of a possible timetable anytime soon due to the posture of the Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Premeph, who has dismissed such calls.

      Herbert Krapa, Chairman of the governing board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Deputy Energy Minister, has assured the public that the government is taking steps to resolve the issue.

      He stated that the government is aware of the challenges faced by citizens and is committed to ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

    14. NPP may lose 2024 elections due to ongoing dumsor – Political Analyst

      NPP may lose 2024 elections due to ongoing dumsor – Political Analyst

      A political and social analyst who also lectures at the University of Cape Coast, Jonathan Asante Otchere, has forecasted that the current intermittent power outages will have a detrimental impact on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7, 2024 general elections.

      Speaking on Connect FM’s Kokromotsir Political Program with host Wofa Ato Koomson on Thursday, April 25, Dr. Otchere stressed the significance of energy-related issues in influencing voters’ choices.

      He pointed out that in 2016, during the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the NPP capitalized on ‘dumsor’ as a major campaign issue, leading to the defeat of the former.

      Dr. Otchere noted that history appears to be repeating itself, using the Akan proverb “Abaa yedi bo Takyi no, ye di bo Baah,” which translates to “The cane used on Takyi is also used on Baah,” to illustrate the situation.

      He emphasized that the ongoing energy crisis will be a crucial factor for voters in the upcoming elections and will significantly impact the NPP’s electoral prospects.

      Dr. Otchere recounted incidents at the UCC campus where students had to endure uncomfortable heat during exams due to power outages, highlighting the stress it caused.

      Additionally, he shared his personal experience of having to sleep in his car due to power outages, stating, “Last week I slept in my car for hours before going home in the night because of ‘dumsor,’ because the kind of heat we are enduring today is unbearable.”

      Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere emphasized that voters prioritize factors such as the economy, infrastructure development, high inflation rates, and corruption when casting their votes, and these factors will be evident in the December elections.

    15. Group to stage ‘dumsor’ vigil in Accra

      Group to stage ‘dumsor’ vigil in Accra

      The Ashanti Democrats group has announced plans to hold a vigil in Accra to demand an end to the current power outages.

      Following a successful vigil in Kumasi on April 18, the group believes it is necessary to bring the demonstration closer to Ghana’s administrative capital.

      The Dumsor Vigil, organized by the Ashanti Democrats and led by Jerry James Sukkah, is a demonstration against the erratic power supply across the country. The date for the Accra edition is yet to be announced.

      Henry Osei Akoto, one of the leaders of the event, emphasized the importance of holding the vigil in Accra to increase pressure on the government and draw attention to the severe impact of the power outages on businesses and livelihoods.

      “We will mobilize Ghanaians on the streets soon if you don’t resolve ‘dumsor.’ The inconvenience is just too much. You promised Ghanaians you were going to give us an uninterrupted power supply, [but] see where you have brought us.

    16. Inefficient generator at Somanya Polyclinic leads to unit shutdowns during power outages

      Inefficient generator at Somanya Polyclinic leads to unit shutdowns during power outages

      In Somanya Polyclinic, Eastern Region, vital departments face closure during power outages.

      The Head of Administration at Somanya Polyclinic, Kafui Wuttor, highlighted the clinic’s generator’s limited capacity, causing disruptions in crucial services like the laboratory.

      Mr Wuttor emphasized the pressing need for an additional generator plant to improve hospital operations, citing the negative impact of frequent power interruptions on healthcare quality and operational costs.

      “As we speak now, our lights are off but our generator plant has low capacity to power the facility. Some of the units are even off. We are unable to run labs as we speak so if we get a new gens set in addition to what we have, it will boost our services. The power outage is affecting us. Apart from the fact that it is not able to power the facility, we are also spending a lot of money so it is quite inconvenient,” said Kafui Wuttor
      Darkwa

      These concerns were raised during a donation event, where the Somanya branch of Christ Apostolic Church International generously donated items to Somanya Polyclinic and Yilo Krobo District Hospital.

      Mrs. Patricia Ametepey, representing the church, emphasized the importance of churches supporting government initiatives for national development.

    17. Improving Ghana’s power supply is my priority – Akufo-Addo

      Improving Ghana’s power supply is my priority – Akufo-Addo

      President Akufo-Addo has affirmed his government’s commitment to enhancing electricity supply by continuing investments in the power sector.

      During the inauguration of a 15-megawatt solar power plant in Kaleo, Upper West Region, Akufo-Addo announced plans to introduce green energy policies to reduce reliance on thermal power.

      “The government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.”

      In the meantime, Chairman of the Electricity Corporation of Ghana’s governing board, Herbert Krapa, assured the public that the ongoing power challenges will soon be resolved.

      He assured that the government has implemented adequate measures to ensure a consistent power supply for consumers.

      Mr Krapa underscored the government’s acknowledgment of the hardships faced by Ghanaians and its dedication to resolving them for the public’s welfare.

      “As I said earlier today at Kaleo, at the Commissioning of VRA’s 15MW Solar Plant, the Government has put in place immediate measures to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply of power to consumers. I can, therefore, state that the unfortunate power challenges Ghanaians are facing should be over in the next few days.”

      “We are fully confident that the measures being put in place should resolve the service interruptions. We empathise with all consumers and apologise unreservedly for the effects of the outages on our daily lives. Please bear with us. We are fixing it and we are nearly there,” Herbert Krapa’s post further read.

    18. Financial constraints preventing ECG from publishing load-shedding timetable – Kofi Kapito

      Financial constraints preventing ECG from publishing load-shedding timetable – Kofi Kapito

      The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Consumer Protection Agency, Kofi Kapito, has come to the defense of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) regarding its failure to release a load-shedding timetable during the ongoing power outages in the country.

      Mr. Kapito attributed ECG’s inability to provide a load-shedding timetable to financial constraints, stating that the current energy crisis is exacerbated by financial issues rather than solely generation capacity limitations.

      In an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, April 23, Kapito emphasized that addressing the financial challenge would eliminate the necessity for a load-shedding timetable.

      He urged patience from Ghanaians and others demanding such a timetable while efforts are made to resolve the financial challenges.

      The CEO of the Consumer Protection Agency reiterated that once the financial issues are addressed, the need for a load-shedding timetable would cease to exist.

      He called for cooperation and patience from all stakeholders in stabilizing the energy situation in the country.

      Mr Kapito highlighted the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that ECG’s ability to provide a timetable is contingent upon the availability of funds for paying Independent Power Producers (IPPs) or purchasing fuel for power plants.

      “As we all know it is not like before when we used to build some transformers which we knew is going to take us some months and so we have to do some proper plan and then bring out a timetable.”

      “Unfortunately, because it is financial, it is difficult for ECG to say that they will bring a timetable simply because people are calling for it. If they bring the timetable and money becomes available, thus, they are able to pay the IPPs or they have to buy the necessary fuel for power plants, then what happens to the timetable? That I think is the challenge the ECG is facing.”

      “ECG is in the business to sell you power. When ECG gets the electricity, they have no need apart from selling it to the consumer or anybody who needs it. So, when people sometimes behave as if ECG has the power and they are doing something or intentionally not distributing it, I find it a little difficult,” he said.

      He stressed that ECG’s primary function is to sell power, and any perception that the company is intentionally withholding electricity is misguided.

      Meanwhile, Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo clarified that only the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, has the authority to authorize the publication of a load-shedding timetable.

      Osafo-Maafo explained that this decision depends on the volume of power being generated and what ECG can distribute.

    19. ‘Dumsor’ will be over in the next few days – ECG Board Chair assures Ghanaians

      ‘Dumsor’ will be over in the next few days – ECG Board Chair assures Ghanaians

      Chairman of the governing board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Herbert Krapa, has has given the assurance that the ongoing intermittent power outages currently experienced in major parts of the country by citizens will soon be a thing of the past.

      Mr Krapa, who doubles as the Deputy Energy Minister stated that the government has implemented adequate measures to ensure that consumers enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

      He emphasized that the government is aware of the challenges faced by Ghanaians and is committed to resolving them for the benefit of the people.

      In a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 24, Mr. Krapa expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian people for their patience and resilience during this crisis.

      “As I said earlier today at Kaleo, at the Commissioning of VRA’s 15MW Solar Plant, the Government has put in place immediate measures to ensure the return of uninterrupted supply of power to consumers. I can, therefore, state that the unfortunate power challenges Ghanaians are facing should be over in the next few days.”

      “We are fully confident that the measures being put in place should resolve the service interruptions. We empathise with all consumers and apologise unreservedly for the effects of the outages on our daily lives. Please bear with us. We are fixing it and we are nearly there,” Herbert Krapa’s post further read.

      For over a month, power consumers across the country have been grappling with intermittent power cuts, commonly known in Ghana as “Dumsor.”

      Amidst these challenges, there have been calls from a section of the Ghanaian public for the Ministry of Energy to publish an official timetable to keep consumers informed about power availability.

      In response to these concerns, the ECG board chair recently joined President Akufo-Addo in a significant ceremony held in Kaleo. The event marked the official inauguration of phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, representing another notable step in Ghana’s renewable energy journey.

      With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition highlights Ghana’s commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

    20. Provide ‘dumsor’ timetable, we are losing too much money – Cold store operators tell ECG

      Provide ‘dumsor’ timetable, we are losing too much money – Cold store operators tell ECG

      Cold store operators in Tema are urgently requesting a load-shedding timetable as they grapple with the recent erratic power supply, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’ in Ghana.

      The unpredictable power outages are causing significant financial strain on these businesses, compelling them to rely on expensive alternative power sources.

      The situation has also led to increased costs, which may result in higher prices for goods and services, including fish.

      Victor Seddoh, the manager of Mankoadzee Fisheries, expressed his concerns in an interview with Citi News, questioning the authorities’ inability to identify the root cause of these outages.

      He highlighted the increased cost of fuel for generators during these power outages, which negatively impacts their overall expenses.

      “Have they identified the problems, the authorities? Because we hear conflicting information from various regulatory bodies. Why won’t the government get one solid reason for these outages and then resolve it.”

      “Until the power outage, we were relying on ECG. So we hardly bought fuel at all for the generator. Within this period of power outage, we will need to buy at least 600 litres of fuel to run for eight to nine hours. And that is very expensive. You cannot put a monetary figure on it because the price keeps changing.”

      “It is cost and we must reduce cost. So in retrieving cost what do you do, you apply to your customers and that is the issue. And the eventual results will be an increase in prices of goods and services, the fish price will go up. ”

      She emphasized the need for a load-shedding timetable to help cold store operators plan their operations more effectively.

      “Recently our fish, almost 80 to 100 cartons got spoilt because over the weekend, we were not around and there was light off. And we did not have an uninterrupted power supply so we couldn’t come back and from where we stayed too, we couldn’t come back to turn on the generator. So when we came on Monday, most of our fish had gone bad.”

      The cold store operators believe that a load-shedding timetable would provide them with better control over their businesses and help mitigate the negative effects of the power outages

    21. Publishing dumsor timetable could make NPP lose 2024 elections – Martin Kpebu

      Publishing dumsor timetable could make NPP lose 2024 elections – Martin Kpebu

      A prominent private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has criticized the Akufo-Addo government for its failure to devise a schedule for the ongoing erratic power supply (dumsor), which would assist Ghanaian households and businesses in better planning their lives.

      In an interview on TV3’s The Keypoints program on April 23, 2024, Mr Kpebu stated that the sole reason the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government is hesitant to create a dumsor timetable is due to the potential political consequences of such action.

      Kpebu emphasized that the government is aware that releasing a dumsor timetable would undoubtedly impact the fate of the NPP in the forthcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.

      “It (the refusal to devise a dumsor timetable) is nothing new. It just reiterates the statement by Socrates that ‘Politicians are crooks’, that’s it; rooks and are busy gaslighting us.

      “Because commonsensically, this dumsor timetable should have been out. But you see how they keep making it look like rocket science, shifting blame? ECG keeps saying that they don’t get enough notice from GRIDCo, so it’s impossible to get a timetable.

      “Then you find Matthew Opoku Prempeh (the Minister for Energy), come to insult us after we’ve paid him with taxes and even has not had the courtesy to render an unqualified apology to us. And it goes on and on and on,” he said.

      The lawyer added, “So what they’re saying is that if this timetable comes out, then it means that they are sinking themselves, you know, because election 2024 is just in the corner.”

    22. FLASHBACK: Vote for change if you’re tired of dumsor – Akufo-Addo tells Ghanaians

      FLASHBACK: Vote for change if you’re tired of dumsor – Akufo-Addo tells Ghanaians

      During the height of Ghana’s severe power supply crisis under former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Akufo-Addo was actively campaigning for his first presidency.

      In the midst of the prevalent dumsor crisis, Akufo-Addo consistently criticized the government’s handling of the situation, using various platforms to draw attention to the issue.

      In a notable tweet dated November 16, 2016, at 9:00 AM, Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to vote for change, using the hashtag #VoteForChange, expressing dissatisfaction with dumsor, incompetence, mismanagement, corruption, and other perceived shortcomings of the Mahama administration.

      Interestingly, this tweet has resurfaced at a time when Ghana is experiencing recurrent unannounced power outages, leading many to draw parallels to the dumsor era.

      “#VoteForChange if you’re tired of dumsor, incompetence, mismanagement, corruption, celebrated mediocrity, inflated infrastructure contracts,” his tweet of November 16, 2016, at 9:00 AM, said.

      Despite government denials, particularly through the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), suggesting that the outages may be due to localized faults, calls for a timetable for power outages have been disregarded.

      Instead, citizens have been advised to devise their own schedules for managing the outages. Meanwhile, the Ashanti Democrats have announced plans to bring the Dumsor Vigil from Kumasi to Accra.

    23. By the end of May 2024, ‘dumsor’ will come to an end – Ayeh-Paye assures Ghanaians

      By the end of May 2024, ‘dumsor’ will come to an end – Ayeh-Paye assures Ghanaians


      Responding to demands for a load-shedding schedule from ECG, former Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Roads and Transport, stated that the intermittent power outages will cease by May this year.

      He emphasized that the government is diligently addressing challenges in the energy sector.

      Speaking on Joy Prime Morning, Mr. Ayeh-Paye assured Ghanaians that the current outages are temporary, with plans for resolution by the end of May.

      Ayeh-Paye revealed the completion of the Twin City Energy power project, set to bolster national electricity generation and distribution upon connection to the grid.

      Notably, parts of Ghana have endured sporadic power cuts, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor,’ in recent months.

      While ECG attributes these outages to technical issues, some Ghanaians and institutions, including the PURC, disagree.

      The PURC directed ECG to provide a load management schedule by April, 2024.

      ECG’s management refuted claims of intentional load-shedding, citing technical challenges as the root cause.

      Subsequently, ECG board members were fined by the PURC for power cut violations.

      1. Govt’s failure to manage its responsibilities towards power agencies cause for ‘dumsor’ – Dr. Rashid Pelpuo

        Govt’s failure to manage its responsibilities towards power agencies cause for ‘dumsor’ – Dr. Rashid Pelpuo

        Member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has stated that the recent erratic power supply is due to government’s failure to settle the accumulating debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

        He emphasized that the country’s power source is driven by the private sector and that resolving all outstanding debts with power generators would result in a stable power supply.

        Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo attributed the current energy sector crisis to mismanagement by the government.

        He said “It [dumsor] is not because we have not privatised [ECG] that is why the challenge is coming. It is because the government has mismanaged its responsibility to the power agencies. The government is failing to pay the private sector that is providing the light because the source of power is private sector-driven.”

        “The Independent Power Producers, the government is unable to pay them their debts. ECG is unable to pay them. So I don’t think that the issue now is about ECG not being privatised,” he added.

        Dr Pelpuo further said, “We have managed it from independence to now. The challenge is the irresponsibility of the government and the poor management of the governance system of power supply and power generation. So we have a problem, and the heart of the problem is the governance of this country.”

        In recent months, certain regions of the country have been grappling with sporadic power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’.

        While the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed these intermittent power disruptions to technical issues, some Ghanaians and entities, including the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), hold a different view.

        In March, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) directed the Electricity Company of Ghana to provide a load management timetable by April 2, 2024.

        In response, ECG’s management reiterated that the power outages are primarily due to technical challenges and stated that no formal load-shedding schedule would be implemented.

        As a consequence of the power cut violations, PURC imposed a fine of GH¢5.8 million on ECG board members.

      2. Ghanaians will no longer suffer ‘dumsor’ after May – Former Ayensuano MP

        Ghanaians will no longer suffer ‘dumsor’ after May – Former Ayensuano MP

        Former Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Roads and Transport and former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano Constituency, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has assured that the government is diligently addressing the recent power challenges, commonly known as ‘dumsor’.

        Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, the former MP indicated that the Akufo-Addo administration is committed to resolving the issues as promised, with the assurance that the situation will be resolved by the end of May 2024.

        “We’ve kept the light on for the past seven years. What has been happening is just some outages that we’re working on, and we want to assure them [Ghanaians] that by the end of next month [May], we’ll not see these things again,” Mr Ayeh-Paye assured on Tuesday.

        “VRA hasn’t given us the timetable yet, but what they have told us is that they’re done with what they’re supposed to do.”

        He emphasised that there is no need to issue a timetable as Ghanaians are requesting because the “situation is going to be over” by the close of May.

      3. Nobody can order the publication of dumsor timetable except NAPO – Osafo-Maafo

        Nobody can order the publication of dumsor timetable except NAPO – Osafo-Maafo

        Senior Presidential Advisor Yaw Osafo-Maafo has stated that the responsibility for releasing a load-shedding timetable lies with the Energy Minister, citing the minister’s oversight of power generation as the basis for this authority.

        He clarified that the decision to publish such a schedule can indeed be implemented, highlighting the importance of effectively managing available power resources.

        Osafo-Maafo made these remarks during a forum on open government partnerships and construction sector transparency in Accra, on Tuesday, April 23.

        He emphasized the need for coordination between power generation and utilization to determine the areas and timings for rationing electricity.

        Meanwhile, Energy Minister Dr. Opoku Prempeh has dismissed calls for a timetable, asserting that the country is not currently experiencing power outages.

        This assertion contradicts the widespread reports of sporadic power cuts, commonly referred to as ‘Dumsor,’ that have affected various sectors.

        In Parliament, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has assured the public that the government is actively addressing the issue.

        He expressed confidence in the government’s ability to resolve the situation effectively, citing past successes in maintaining a steady power supply under challenging circumstances.

        Despite these assurances, the persistence of ‘Dumsor’ continues to impact businesses and communities across Ghana, raising concerns about its long-term effects on the economy and livelihoods.

      4. ‘Dumsor’ has destroyed my $8,000 machine that I use to generate oxygen for my fish – Farmer

        ‘Dumsor’ has destroyed my $8,000 machine that I use to generate oxygen for my fish – Farmer

        A fish farmer in Ghana has shared a distressing account of how the recent power outages, known locally as “dumsor,” have affected his business.

        Kofi, from Lashibi, explained that the irregular power supply caused his over $8000 oxygen machine, essential for his fishery, to blow up.

        He now faces the daunting task of finding a new source of income, as the damage to the machine has severely impacted his ability to operate.

        Speaking in an interview with Joy News’ Super Morning Show on Tuesday, April 23, a distraught Kofi lamented, “Apart from the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar, I have been losing numerous jobs due to this persistent load shedding.”

        “I’m not doing very well at all because the business that I run is being grounded, my $8000 machine that I use to generate oxygen for fish just blew off three days ago.

        “I have to try to change water for the fish day in and day out to raise the oxygen level, what sort of wickedness is this?” he quizzed.

        Kofi emphasized that the entire country is suffering, and he believes it is crucial for the Energy Ministry to take responsibility for the ongoing situation.

        “We need to hold these people by these balls, they are causing people businesses…they are ruining people’s lives and we are looking up to them,” he said.

        He expressed his frustration, saying, “The blame should be on those people who are supposed to act and they are not acting. I’m speaking out of anger; because I have lost an $8000 machine as a result of somebody’s incompetence.

        “We have a vice president going around campaigning to be elected, but we do not have people to stand up to him and tell him to go fix the problem…’get out of here with your campaign’, what sort of country are we running,” he added.

        “We have a sitting vice president and he said he is the mate…Akufo-Addo did what he did to make sure that you become the running mate so he should use the wisdom he has to fix the country,” he added.

      5. Don’t blame ECG when you suffer ‘dumsor’ – Felix Kwakye Ofosu tells Ghanaians

        Don’t blame ECG when you suffer ‘dumsor’ – Felix Kwakye Ofosu tells Ghanaians

        Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has commented on the recent intermittent power outages in the country.

        According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, it would be misguided to blame the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) for the power cuts.

        He explained that ECG only distributes the power it receives from GRIDCo, which in turn transmits power from power producers. However, these power producers can only generate electricity when the necessary conditions are met.

        “One of the key conditions for thermal power generation is the availability of fuel which is in very, very limited supply because this government simply cannot find the money to purchase same. Do not be misled to blame ECG when you suffer Dumsor,” he wrote.

        He added, “It is solely the doing of Akufo-Addo and his sidekick Bawumia, who have completely mismanaged the economy and left the country broke!”

        Despite citizen demands for a timetable, the Energy Ministry and ECG have not provided one.

      6. Maintenance works on ‘dumsor’ almost complete – Richard Ahiagbah

        Maintenance works on ‘dumsor’ almost complete – Richard Ahiagbah

        Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has acknowledged the frustrating nature of current power outage, but has assured Ghanaians that it will soon come to an end.

        He explained that maintenance works in the energy sector were nearing completion, and Ghanaians would soon benefit from uninterrupted power supply.

        In a post on X sighted by the media, Richard Ahiagbah said, “The recent power outages have been understandably frustrating. However, there is an end in sight. The maintenance works are almost complete, and we can soon expect access to an uninterrupted power supply around the clock, as we have become accustomed to under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. The NDC is the last political organization to point fingers because Ghana has not forgotten the hurts of the ‘real dumsor’, suffered under H.E. Mahama.”

        Meanwhile he referred to ‘dumsor’, during the NDC government as among others, “A sting in the tale. A nail in the casket. A dirge of failure. An irrefutable lived experience.”

        Read his post below:

      7. ‘Dumsor’ timetable will sink NPP in 2024 elections – Martin Kpebu

        ‘Dumsor’ timetable will sink NPP in 2024 elections – Martin Kpebu

        Private legal practitioner Mr Martin Kpebu is of the assertion that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will lose the upcoming polls should the government succumb to the demands of citizens and provide a load-shedding timetable.

        The country has in the past few months been experiencing erratic power cuts, otherwise known as ‘dumsor’.

        Though the power distribution company – Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) – has attributed the intermittent power supply disruptions to technical challenges, some Ghanaians and institutions including the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) think otherwise.

        While the situation keeps aggravating, several organisations and individuals have entreated the government to release a load-shedding timetable for Ghanaians to plan their lives, but to no avail.

        The hesitation from the government allows Mr Kpebu to assert that the ruling party’s victory in the next election is dependent on the current energy sector crisis.

        “By this time, the dumsor timetable should have been out but see how they are doing rocket science, shifting blame. ECG saying they don’t get enough notice from GRIDCo so it’s impossible to get a timetable. Then you find Matthew Opoku Prempeh come to insult us after we paid him with our taxes. He even has not gotten the courtesy to render an unqualified apology to us.

        “So what they are saying is that if this time table comes out, they are sinking themselves because election 2024 is just around the corner,” he said on TV3’s The Key Points.


        Meanwhile, Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has expressed his belief that the recent intermittent power outages will have an impact on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

        He noted that energy issues are one of the factors voters consider when deciding which candidate or party to support.

        Dr. Asah-Asante recalled that intermittent power outages during former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure played a significant role in his electoral defeat, as the then-opposition NPP capitalized on it as a campaign issue.

        “The elections that took Mahama home were fought on the basis of dumsor. This party [NPP] took advantage of that and drummed into the ears of Ghanaians and it formed part of the calculations or contributions that Ghanaians made in deciding who to vote for.

        “Remember the dumsor economy which Dr. Bawumia made noise about which was legitimate at the time and the same legitimacy can be brought to bear on the current dumsor which the government is pretending doesn’t exist.”

      8. ‘Dumsor’ that brought you into power will also take you out of power – Lecturer tells NPP

        ‘Dumsor’ that brought you into power will also take you out of power – Lecturer tells NPP

        Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has expressed his belief that the recent intermittent power outages (dumsor) will have an impact on the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

        He noted that energy issues are one of the factors voters consider when deciding which candidate or party to support.

        Dr. Asah-Asante recalled that intermittent power outages during former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure played a significant role in his electoral defeat, as the then-opposition NPP capitalized on it as a campaign issue.

        “The elections that took Mahama home were fought on the basis of dumsor. This party [NPP] took advantage of that and drummed into the ears of Ghanaians and it formed part of the calculations or contributions that Ghanaians made in deciding who to vote for.

        “Remember the dumsor economy which Dr. Bawumia made noise about which was legitimate at the time and the same legitimacy can be brought to bear on the current dumsor which the government is pretending doesn’t exist.”

        Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante also criticized the government’s management of the current intermittent power outages, pointing out that citizens were suffering as a result. He emphasized the importance of the government acknowledging the challenges and demonstrating a commitment to resolving them.

        “We feel it. We experience it. Let no one deceive himself or herself that the fact that you have not said it bluntly out loud means dumsor does not exist. It does and nobody can deceive anybody. Governance must be handled with truthfulness.

        “Proceed with integrity, there is a problem. Just be forthright with it. Come out and say this problem exists, but as leaders, we will try and fix it.”

      9. Mahama’s dumsor worse than current power outages – Prof Adei

        Mahama’s dumsor worse than current power outages – Prof Adei

        Former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Stephen Adei, has remarked that the current power outages are not as dire as the erratic power supply (Dumsor) experienced during the Mahama administration.

        However, he cautioned that if the current situation is not adequately addressed, the challenge could worsen.

        “The power crisis is not as bad as the Dumsor days but if we don’t take care it will only get worse,” he told TV3’s Beatrice Adu in an interview on Monday, April 22.

        He said “so the first thing is that if there are bottlenecks which are not allowing us to use the existing capacity to the fullest, they must be addressed. But in the long run, we must have a national strategic agenda. You can go solar, immediately the government should allow all solar panels and anything to do with it import duty-free because in the end the country and the government will win. We must have a strategy to make sure that we have a long-term solution nd the efficiency of the ECG must also improve.”

        Speaking in an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Adu on Monday, April 22, Prof Adei suggested strategies for the government to tackle the current challenges.

        He emphasized the need to address bottlenecks hindering the use of existing capacity and advocated for a national strategic agenda, including the duty-free importation of solar panels to promote solar energy utilization.

        Additionally, he highlighted the importance of improving the efficiency of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for a long-term solution.

        On a similar note, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, acknowledged the frustration caused by the power outages in parts of the country.

        However, he assured the public that there is light at the end of the tunnel, attributing the situation to maintenance work by the ECG.

        He expressed confidence that the maintenance works would soon be completed, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, as seen under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia Administration.

        Responding to criticism from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ahiagbah asserted that the NDC is in no position to criticize, given the challenges faced during the Mahama administration’s tenure, characterized by severe Dumsor.

      10. IMANI Africa to hit Akufo-Addo govt with ‘dumsor’ demo

        IMANI Africa to hit Akufo-Addo govt with ‘dumsor’ demo

        President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has announced his think tank’s plans to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”

        He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.

        This disclosure comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.

        “We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”

        “Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes,” Mr Cudjoe wrote on his Facebook platform.

        Yvonne Nelson’s call comes amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

        In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.

        She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.

        However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.

      11. “The wise thing to do is to issue ‘dumsor’ timetable” – Governance Expert

        “The wise thing to do is to issue ‘dumsor’ timetable” – Governance Expert

        In recent months, the country has grappled with frequent power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’. While the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) attributes these disruptions to technical issues, there are dissenting voices, including the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), suggesting otherwise.

        Amidst the worsening situation, Governance Expert Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah has urged the government to provide a schedule for power cuts, allowing Ghanaians to better plan their activities. He believes that the government’s response to resolving the power crisis has been lacking in proactivity.

        During an appearance on TV3’s Ghana Tonight program on Monday, April 22, 2024, Professor Agyeman-Duah emphasized the need for the government to take immediate action to alleviate the situation, suggesting “The wise thing to do is to issue a timetable. The government hasn’t been too active in seeking solutions to problems,” he stated.

        In March, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana to provide a load management schedule by April 2, 2024.

        Responding to this directive, ECG’s management reiterated that the power interruptions are due to technical issues and stated that they would not implement a formal load-shedding timetable.

        As a consequence of this stance, the PURC levied fines totaling GH¢5.8 million against ECG board members for violations related to power cuts.

      12. You and others can hold your ‘dumsor’ demos in churches, bars – IMANI tells Yvonne Nelson

        You and others can hold your ‘dumsor’ demos in churches, bars – IMANI tells Yvonne Nelson

        President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has stated that his think tank will not yield to pressure to organize a demonstration against the government over the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor.”

        He emphasized that IMANI will conduct their protest at their own pace, and individuals who share their grievances are welcome to organize their demonstrations.

        This response comes after actress Yvonne Nelson called for IMANI to join her in organizing another demonstration, reminiscent of the one held in 2015.

        Yvonne Nelson’s call came amidst recent intermittent power outages, with many Ghanaians clamoring for a load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

        In her post on X on Monday, April 22, Ms. Nelson expressed her readiness for IMANI’s outreach for the vigil, citing the organization’s involvement in a similar event in 2015.

        She criticized President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of taking the country for granted and emphasizing that such neglect should no longer be tolerated.

        However, Mr. Cudjoe, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 23, responded sharply, stating that IMANI will choose partners for their protest, and Yvonne Nelson is free to organize her demonstration.

        “We have heard the call by the redoubtable Ms Yvonne Nelson for round two of #dumsormuststop. Fair call even as we (IMANI) have maintained our criticism of the government’s bad decisions for what often seems like a rudderless leadership, the latest dumsor episodes being the zenith. So as you can see ( T-shirts), we are preparing and we will make the call and choose how we demonstrate and who we want to partner at the right time.”

        “Meanwhile, others can also organise their own unique protests in churches, mosques, bars, schools and homes.”

      13. Two pedestrians knocked down at Lapaz as dumsor renders traffic lights inoperative

        Two pedestrians knocked down at Lapaz as dumsor renders traffic lights inoperative

        Traffic accident shook the bustling intersection of Lapaz in the Greater Accra Region at 8:40 pm on Monday, April 22, 2024.

        A “trotro” commercial bus collided with two pedestrians—a woman in her late 30s and a man in his late 20s—as they ventured across the busy thoroughfare.

        The cause of the accident was attributed to malfunctioning traffic lights, a result of a power outage plaguing the area.

        Eyewitnesses, including a reporter from GhanaWeb, sprang into action, swiftly removing the unconscious victims from harm’s way and rushing them to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.

        This incident underscores the challenges posed by the ongoing power outages, commonly known as ‘dumsor’, affecting the country.

        Many Ghanaians have voiced concerns about the adverse impact of ‘dumsor’ on their daily lives and safety, particularly on the roads, where streetlights and traffic signals frequently succumb to the darkness during power disruptions.

      14. Sack Matthew Opoku Premeph for telling Ghanaians to create their ‘dumsor’ timetable – IES to Akufo-Addo

        Sack Matthew Opoku Premeph for telling Ghanaians to create their ‘dumsor’ timetable – IES to Akufo-Addo

        The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has demanded the immediate removal of Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, citing the deteriorating energy crisis as the basis for their request.

        According to the IES, the current state of the energy sector requires urgent action, leading to their call for the minister’s dismissal.

        The Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi VII, expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s perceived lack of action in a Monday interview on Eyewitness News.

        He pointed out the minister’s apparent detachment from the reality of the energy situation, questioning the purpose of his presence in such a crucial position.

        “Where we have gotten to, there is no circuit and so what is the use of the minister in that space? He must be relieved, probably to concentrate on any other agenda he is bidding for. He must be relieved of his post. It is becoming too much. Is it not insulting with the statement that he made? Total disrespect to consumers. Are we asking for too much?

        “For God’s sake, I am a prepaid consumer. I have paid for that power that you need to supply me. In fact, you chose to put a meter in my house at a fee, that is also a contract in a form, and he chose to take my money in advance.

        “If I am not going to get the power, then just out of respect, at least tell me when I can have the power. But don’t look into my face and say, I should go and produce my own timetable.”

        In March of this year, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh responded to calls for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to publish a load-shedding timetable by challenging advocates to create their own proposed schedules.

        His comments came during a period of significant power challenges in the country, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, affecting individuals and businesses alike.

        Speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Opoku Prempeh challenged critics to develop their own timetable if they believed it was necessary.

        He questioned the rationale behind creating a timetable when ECG had stated that no such plan was in place.

        “Let those who want the timetable bring it. What do you mean? I don’t know of any timetable because the ECG has said it is not necessary. Why would someone just wish evil for the country?” he asked.