TIG Post

Tag: Power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Ghana’s power supply in peril as Karpower demands $370m debt settlement

    Ghana’s power supply in peril as Karpower demands $370m debt settlement

    Ghana’s energy sector is on the verge of a major setback as Karpowership, the company operating the Aboadze power barge, has threatened to cut electricity supply over an outstanding $379 million debt.

    The warning was issued during a meeting on February 10, 2025, between Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and representatives from Karpowership.

    The unpaid amount, owed by the state-run Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), adds to the country’s growing energy sector liabilities, which have now surpassed $3 billion.

    Minister Jinapor, acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, appealed to Karpowership to delay any drastic action while the government explores ways to clear the debt.

    Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has repeatedly flagged Ghana’s rising energy sector debt as a significant financial risk, urging urgent reforms to avert a potential collapse.

    If Karpowership goes ahead with its plan, Ghana could face extended power outages, affecting industries, businesses, and daily life nationwide.

  • ECG directed to halt all supply payments to help stabilize power

    ECG directed to halt all supply payments to help stabilize power

    Minister-Designate for Energy, John Jinapor, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately suspend all payments for supplies as part of efforts to address inefficiencies and stabilize the power sector.

    Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Jinapor emphasized the severity of the issue, revealing that ECG has been experiencing significant revenue losses. He attributed these challenges to the management of over 70 separate accounts, which has made effective monitoring and financial control difficult.

    Jinapor issued a stern warning to the staff of ECG, particularly those within the finance directorate, cautioning that there would be serious consequences for non-compliance with the directive.

    “The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies. Because if ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution. Other countries are doing just about 2-4% losses. So, with this $100 worth of power, you buy and sell, you collect only 60% and even with that, there are so many contracts, quality assurance, IT, provision and others.

    “They are all deducting monies at the source. So, I have told the ECG, and this is also an instruction from the Chief of Staff, to seize all payment for supplies and I mean it. I have told them and if anybody is listening and is within ECG, whether the finance directorate, this was the instruction we gave them yesterday.

    “Please don’t and I mean it, because there are serious consequences if you flout this directive. We need some serious buffers to anchor the system. All those numerous accounts will be closed. They have over 70 accounts and they cannot monitor that, so we need to reform that sector and we will reform that sector,” he stated.

    The Minister-Designate reaffirmed his commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms to streamline ECG’s operations and improve its efficiency, ensuring better service delivery and power sector stability.

  • Power crisis to last for the next two years – IES projects

    Power crisis to last for the next two years – IES projects

    Ghana’s ongoing power crisis, popularly known as “dumsor,” is expected to persist for at least another two years, according to Nana Amoasi VII, the Executive Director of the Institute of Energy Security (IES).

    Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Monday, November 25, Nana Amoasi VII painted a grim picture of the country’s energy challenges, stating, “We are not moving out of dumsor anytime soon. It could take up to two years before we see any stability in the power sector.” His projections have heightened concerns among Ghanaians already grappling with unreliable electricity supply.

    The IES Executive Director attributed the prolonged crisis to inefficiencies within key areas of the energy distribution network. He pointed to issues such as poorly maintained meters, some of which have not been recharged in over a year. “As long as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) remains inefficient, with meters failing to function properly, dumsor will continue,” he noted.

    According to Nana Amoasi VII, resolving the crisis requires addressing these inefficiencies with disciplined investments and mechanisms to ensure equitable revenue distribution across the power utilities. “Until these inefficiencies are cleared, dumsor will remain with us,” he emphasized, urging the government to prioritize investments in the right systems to restore stability.

    Reflecting on the missed opportunities to address the issue earlier, he criticized successive governments for failing to take decisive action. Nana Amoasi VII noted that the current administration inherited a strong power sector with adequate installed capacity and reliable fuel supply, stating that “dumsor” should not have recurred after 2017.

    He further revealed that a modest investment of about 22 million Ghana cedis in 2018 and 2019 could have resolved many of the inefficiencies plaguing the energy sector today.

    Despite these insights, Nana Amoasi VII warned that significant progress is unlikely until a new government takes office, citing unresolved systemic issues.

    In a more troubling development, he raised concerns about transparency within the energy sector. “If you try to access a sheet from GRIDCo today, it’s labelled ‘private and confidential’—why is the government suppressing vital information?” he questioned, suggesting a deliberate effort to withhold crucial details from the public.

    With no immediate solutions in sight, Ghanaians are bracing for prolonged power disruptions as the country struggles to address deep-rooted inefficiencies in its energy distribution network.

  • Ethiopia experiencing nationwide power outage due to faulty systems

    Ethiopia experiencing nationwide power outage due to faulty systems

    Ethiopia’s state-run power company has reported a widespread electricity blackout affecting large portions of the country due to unspecified “issues in our system”.

    Ethiopian Electric Power did not provide details regarding the nature of the issues but stated on its Facebook page that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the outage.

    The power problem has impacted all regions of the country, with the exception of Bahir Dar, situated in the north-west, and its surrounding area. The blackout began around 15:40 local time (12:40 GMT).

    In a separate announcement, the company confirmed that restoration efforts have commenced in the capital city, Addis Ababa, and some other areas of the country several hours after the initial outage occurred.

  • ECG to cut power supply to 91 hospitals over GHS261m debt

    ECG to cut power supply to 91 hospitals over GHS261m debt

    The Taskforce of Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is poised to sever connections with 91 hospitals across the country due to unpaid debts totaling GHc261 million.

    Following a “demand notice,” these health facilities, including prominent ones like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and 37 Military Hospital, are expected to face power cuts within 48 hours.

    This action is part of the ECG’s broader initiative to recover outstanding funds from customers, aimed at fortifying its operational capabilities.

    Noteworthy institutions like Accra Academy, Parliament, and the Accra Sports Stadium have recently encountered similar disconnection scenarios.

    The following is a breakdown of the number of hospitals anticipated to undergo disconnection by the ECG.

    Volta region Total GHc15, 163,879

    Kpeve Government Hospital GHc750, 147.70
    Ho Municipal Hospital GHc 1,247,730
    Ho Teaching Hospital (3 meters) GHc5,808,989
    Hohoe Municipal Hospital GHc2,472, 043
    Keta Municipal Hospital GHc410, 983
    Ketu South Hospital GHc1, 706,390
    Sogakope District Hospital GHc1, 437,822
    Worawora Government Hospital GHc1, 329,767

    Accra East Region Total GHc66, 643,680.32

    37 Military Hospital GHc33, 477,392.71
    Police Hospital GHc6, 109,568
    Dodowa District Hospital GHc 3,629,966
    Pantang Hospital GHc5, 342,310
    Lekma Hospital GHc2, 602,464
    La General Hospital GHc642,954
    University of Ghana Hospital GHc2, 249,767
    Achimota Hospital GHc2, 502,589
    Kwabenya Hospital GHc10, 086,666

    Tema Region Total GHc8, 227,299.48

    Community 22 Polyclinic GHc720, 245
    Akuse Govt Hspt GHc1, 723,768
    Battor Hspt GHc1, 837,613
    General Hspt GHc242, 078
    Kpone Health Center GHc379, 520
    Ministry of Health GHc378, 864
    Municipal Health GHc112, 375
    Poly Clinic Nungua GHc414, 589
    Sege Polyclinic GHc393, 680
    Somanya District Hspt GHc1, 352,341
    Urban Health GHc672, 222

    Accra West Region Total GHc55, 782,569.71

    Bortianor Polyclinic GHc442, 468
    Korle Bu Teaching Hspt GHc10, 216,075
    Nsawam Hspt GHc2, 814,584
    Oduman Polyclinic GHc713, 520
    Ridge Regional Hspt GHc41, 595,921

    Central Region Total GHc21, 313,839.75

    Ankaful Psychiatric GHc2, 225,745
    Cape Coast Municipal Hspt GHc2, 351,591
    Central Regional Hspt (Two meters) GHc7,048,927
    District Hospital GHc 1,592,822
    Trauma Hospital Winneba GHc1, 418,389
    Twifo Praso New Hspt GHc (Two meters) GHc5,826,432
    Winneba Govt Hspt GHc849, 929

    Eastern Region Total GHc21, 031,322

    Abirim Dist Hspt GHc1, 266,455
    Government Hspt GHc2, 204,650
    Asamankese Hspt GHc1, 202,252
    Begoro Govt Hspt GHc987, 753
    Ministry of Health GHc1, 289,724
    Kibi Govt Hspt (Two meters) GHc2,947,367
    Government Hspt GHc6, 941,454
    Koforidua SDA Hspt GHc314, 752
    Kwahu Govt Hspt GHc1, 879,985
    St. Dominic Hspt GHc1, 996,924

    Ashanti Region Total GHc50, 045,753.72

    Agogo Hspt GHc3, 290,722
    Konongo Govt Hspt GHc2, 066,549
    Kumawu Dist Hspt GHc217, 879
    Mamhya Govt Hspt (Two meters) GHc2,026,944
    Mampong Maternity Hspt GHc299, 775
    Bekwai Dist Hspt GHc2, 721,858
    Government Hspt GHc1, 908,530
    Fomena Govt Hspt GHc300, 360
    Obuasi Govt Hspt GHc1, 022,440
    Atonsu Govt Hspt GHc2, 860,326
    Bibiani Govt Hspt GHc1, 279,540
    Komfo Anokye Teaching Hspt GHc (Two meters) GHc27,265,226
    SDA Hspt Kwadaso GHc506, 361
    St. Patrick Hspt Offinso GHc2, 248,319
    Suntreso Govt Hspt GHc2, 030,915

    Western Region Total GHc22, 312,253

    Bogoso Hospital (Two meters) GHc497,828
    Takoradi Hspt (Two meters) GHc3,509,295
    Tarkwa Govt Hspt (Three meters) GHc9,499,254
    Tarkwa Hspt Apinto GHc2, 391,983
    Wassa Dunkwa Hspt (Two meters) GHc294,996
    Government Hspt (Two meters) GHc1,708,108
    Nsuaem Hospital GHc169, 220
    Kwasimintim Hospital GHc1, 547,022
    Essikado Govt Hspt GHc780,780
    Elubo Hspt (Two meters) GHc271,993
    Akwantombra Hspt GHc184, 219

  • 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.

  • Nigeria restores power after blackouts over the weekend

    Nigeria restores power after blackouts over the weekend

    Most of the cities in Nigeria have electricity back after a complete power outage on Sunday. This happened because the national power grid stopped working.

    Power generation stopped completely, and this caused many blackouts in big cities, including the capital city of Abuja.

    Many electricity companies sent sorry messages to customers all over the country for the incident.

    Nigeria’s transmission company said they fixed the national power grid and it’s working again.

    This was the first time the power grid went down this year. It fell down many times last year.

    The country has over 200 million people, but it still only makes 3500 to 4500 megawatts of electricity.

    Electricity in Nigeria is not always reliable, even though the country produces a lot of oil and gas.

  • 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.

  • Ghana’s power security depends on gas-rich TEN field – Akufo-Addo

    Ghana’s power security depends on gas-rich TEN field – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the significance of the TEN field, which holds “significant gas reserves,” stating that it plays a crucial role in Ghana’s natural gas production and the stability of the nation’s power sector in the years ahead.

    The President also highlighted that the success of the Jubilee South East Project aligns with the broader plan for the Jubilee field, aimed at enhancing overall production from the eastern side of the field.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed the government’s determination to attract further investments from partners involved in the TEN field project. He made these remarks during the commissioning of the First Oil from the JSE project on Friday, September 8, 2023, underscoring how this expansion will solidify the government’s accomplishments in the oil and gas sector.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized the significance of the TEN field, which holds “significant gas reserves,” stating that it plays a crucial role in Ghana’s natural gas production and the stability of the nation’s power sector in the years ahead.

    The President also highlighted that the success of the Jubilee South East Project aligns with the broader plan for the Jubilee field, aimed at enhancing overall production from the eastern side of the field.

    President Akufo-Addo expressed the government’s determination to attract further investments from partners involved in the TEN field project. He made these remarks during the commissioning of the First Oil from the JSE project on Friday, September 8, 2023, underscoring how this expansion will solidify the government’s accomplishments in the oil and gas sector.

    In cooperation with the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Kosmos Energy, Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited, and Petro SA, Tullow is managing the JSE.

    President Akufo-Addo spoke about local content and Ghanaian involvement in upstream petroleum activities and said that the government’s attitude on local content is not just about providing ancillary services to the sector, but also having a stake in the resources as well.

    “We must collectively endeavour to train our people to get to a level where they have the capacity to be able to participate fully in the industry, and our position is to strengthen all training vehicles in the various industries of the energy sector, like the Accelerated Oil and Gas Capacity Building Programme, to ensure that Ghanaians have the relevant certification to become competitive, and play a fuller role in the industry”.

    “That fuller role will be most effectively anchored when we ensure Ghanaian equity participation in the upstream development of our oil and gas resources”, he stated.

    President Akufo-Addo stated that it has become essential for Ghana to develop plans and strategies toward the creation of a net-zero energy sector because the country is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which obliges it to cut its carbon dioxide emission levels.

    However, he pointed out, “as I have reiterated on previous occasions, whilst working hard to combat the effects of climate change, it is also important to protect our development by making sure that our oil reserves do not become stranded assets, but, rather, a catalyst for our economic growth. Our position remains unchanged”.

    The president reaffirmed that Ghana has a stable political system, a strong legal system, a workable fiscal regime, a good telecommunications system, a dedicated, talented labor force, and a friendly, welcoming populace, making it an ideal location for investment.

    “I wish to assure the investor community of our continued support to ensure that their investments are safe in law and in fact, and that they are able to flourish in our country within the context of our relevant laws. Our doors are always open for conversations on your presence in Ghana, and I hope the good, warm relations we have fostered over the years will continue to endure in the times ahead”, he added.

  • 90% of workers on floating solar plant were residents, fishermen – Ahiataku Togobo

    90% of workers on floating solar plant were residents, fishermen – Ahiataku Togobo

    Director of Renewables at Bui Power Authority (BPA), Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, has highlighted that a majority of the workforce involved in the installation of the floating solar panels consisted of local engineers.

    He emphasized that the technical team primarily comprised Bui Power Authority staff, with additional assistance from community members, particularly experienced fishermen who played a crucial role in securing the floating panels in place.

    In an interview with Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the host of BizTech on GhanaWeb TV, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo explained, “Let me say that the majority of the technical team are engineers, are staff of Bui Power Authority. We also engage community members, mainly the fishermen who are experts in fishing and can do the swimming. They helped us in doing the tightening of the bolt and because they are good swimmers, we worked alongside.”

    He continued, “Of course, we had one or two external consultants to assist us in the installation. But I will say close to 95% of the workforce—95 to 96% of the workforce—were local people, trained by our local universities, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. These are the staff who were involved, and of course, we have some technicians from our technical universities and technical institutions. They assisted us in getting this job done.”

    Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo also mentioned BPA’s plans to expand its floating solar panels on water, aiming to add 10 more bifacial panels.

    He expressed the organization’s intent to gradually scale up the project based on successful testing and experience gained. Bifacial solar panels, known for their higher efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides, were used in this initiative.

  • Libyans rejoice over stable power supply

    Libyans rejoice over stable power supply

    For a very long period of enduring years of persistent power outages, residents of Tripoli, the capital of Libya, are now enjoying a stable electricity supply during the summer months. This improvement has led to the illumination of the city’s public spaces at night, signifying a significant enhancement in the quality of life for its residents.

    To cope with the recurring power disruptions, many individuals had invested in batteries to power essential appliances. Those with more financial means had acquired powerful yet noisy, polluting, and diesel-dependent generators, which could cost several thousand euros.

    Mohamad Rahoumi, the spokesperson for a renowned pastry brand, highlighted the critical connection between reliable electricity and service quality. He emphasized that a consistent power supply eliminates the need for generators or costly production services, leading to stable prices and improved economic returns.

    Over the past decade, the General Electricity Company had resorted to lengthy load shedding during peak seasons. Until last year, power cuts lasting up to 20 hours at a stretch were commonplace in the capital, particularly unbearable in scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, especially for business owners.

    For Mohammed al-Maghribi, a butcher, the improved electricity supply has transformed his business. He expressed his delight that customers could now purchase fresh and uncontaminated meat while enjoying the comfort of air conditioning.

    Libyan citizen Lotfi Ahmad Aziz acknowledged the significant and evident enhancement in the electric network compared to previous years. However, he noted that some issues related to strengthening the electrical grid still persisted, along with minor concerns. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for the notable improvement compared to past years.

    Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has grappled with persistent power shortages, stemming from a damaged electrical infrastructure resulting from armed conflicts and looting. However, with new management at Gecol and a restructuring plan implemented in July 2022, coupled with relative calm following years of war, electricity supplies have greatly improved. This positive development has also encouraged foreign companies to resume projects that had been stalled for years.

  • NAPO is effectively managing Ghana’s energy sector – NPP

    NAPO is effectively managing Ghana’s energy sector – NPP

    A member of the communications team of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawrence Kwesi Botchway Jnr, has lauded the remarkable leadership and lasting impact of the former Minister of Education and current Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, on national development.

    He particularly highlighted Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s pivotal role in preventing an electricity crisis in the country.

    In an interview, Botchway described Dr. Opoku Prempeh as the “architect of Ghana’s energy success,” commending his accomplishments in propelling the nation towards a more sustainable economy through effective management of the energy sector.

    He further lauded the minister’s dedication and effectiveness in maintaining continuous power supply, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “We must laud the Minister’s dedication and effectiveness in keeping the lights on and the nation running. NAPO’s timely and effective response showcased his mastery of the energy landscape, ensuring uninterrupted power supply till now and even during the challenging COVID-19 epoch. Unlike the past era of ‘dumsor’, Ghana experienced stability and reliability in its power infrastructure, a testament to Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s strategic leadership in the energy sector,” he stated.

    Botchway also emphasized the transformative impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which was championed by Dr. Opoku Prempeh and President Akufo-Addo.

    He cited significant statistics, showcasing the substantial increase in student enrollment from 6,000 in 2016 to 1.2 million today.

    Botchway attributed this growth to visionary leadership and not just political maneuvering, highlighting President Akufo-Addo’s role in making education accessible to all students, regardless of their background.

    Botchway concluded by praising President Akufo-Addo’s legacy, which he sees as a gift to Ghana’s future generations.

    He emphasized that the Free SHS policy has dismantled financial barriers, allowing both privileged and disadvantaged students to access quality education.

  • Kwabena Donkor claims ECG loses 30% power annually

    Kwabena Donkor claims ECG loses 30% power annually

    Dr. Kwabena Donkor, the former Minister for Power, revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) experiences a 30 percent loss of power due to both commercial and technical reasons.

    During an interview on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, he emphasized the need to provide prepaid meters to most state institutions.

    “The laboratories and everything else should go on prepaid like the hospital has a huge IGF and yet never see the payment for power as a priority. It was only this year a month or so ago that the Ministry of Health is now saying that going forward the government will not pay for electricity. Are we serious?

    “I will only advise that they put the operating theatres on postpaid. The wards, the laboratories not even the morgues should be on prepaid. It is one of the most profitable units of Korle-Bu. In other jurisdictions, the Chief Executive of Korle-Bu will not necessarily be a medical doctor. By the way, it sounds, you are basically running a business organization.

    He continued: “The same goes to the Universities, the public Universities apart from the laboratories and probably the lecture halls everything else there should go prepaid. If you look at ECG, ECG loses nearly 30 per cent of what it buys in technical and commercial losses, the Commercial loses are even more. How many businesses have a markup of 30 per cent?”

    The MP for the Pru Constituency went on to say that providing our prepaid meters is the only way to stop electricity theft.

    “So right from the word go we are in a loss-making situation. So let’s put measures in place that will make stealing difficult. Put the person on prepaid and if the person bypasses the meter then he’s even a bigger thief,” Dr. Donkor stated.

  • Debt restructuring: Ofori-Atta inhabiting a separate reality – Jinapor

    Debt restructuring: Ofori-Atta inhabiting a separate reality – Jinapor

    Former deputy minister John Jinapor, in charge of energy, claims that the government has not held talks with independent power producers (IPPs) despite their pledge that they will fight any move to restructure the US$ 1.4 billion debt owing to them.

    In spite of the challenges Ghanaians are going through during this economic crisis, he charged that the minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, was out of touch with reality.

    Speaking on CitiFM’s Eyewitness news and monitored by GhanaWeb Business, Mr Jinapor said, “They [IPPs] have said earlier that they will not accept it and the Minister hasn’t even had the courtesy to meet them so he is living in a different world. He is missing all the targets.”

    On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the Independent Power Producers made it clear that they would not accept any debt restructuring proposal from the government. The Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Producers, Elikplim Apetorgbor, expressed concern that if the government fails to settle its debt amounting to US$1.4 billion, it could lead the country into a power crisis.

    Mr. Apetorgbor stated that his organization had previously informed the government of the need to pay at least 30 percent of the outstanding debt. The Independent Power Producers, which include Karpowership, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd, CenPower Generation, AKSA, Twin City Energy, and Cenit Energy, are responsible for about 65 percent of the country’s thermal power generation.

    He further highlighted that the Independent Power Producers have already faced challenges in making their first-quarter payments and expressed concerns about defaulting on their second-quarter payments if the government does not settle its dues.

    However, the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Producers clarified that they are open to considering a payment plan for the government to settle their arrears. Nevertheless, he emphasized that debt restructuring is not an acceptable option for resolving the outstanding payments.

  • Power cut plan announced in Egypt due to heatwave

    Power cut plan announced in Egypt due to heatwave

    On Thursday July 28, Egypt announced a series of measures, including planned power cuts, to address the surging energy consumption caused by the intense heat wave sweeping the country.

    During a televised address on 6th August, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Madbouly called on the private sector to implement similar measures. He stated that civil servants who don’t work in public-facing roles would be required to work from home one day a week for a month to alleviate pressure on the electricity grids.

    To manage the increasing energy demand nationwide, the planned power cuts are expected to last for one or two hours per day at most, and they will continue until the end of the ongoing heatwave. Some parts of the country have experienced temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius this week.

    The government began implementing the power cuts last week and also urged residents not to use elevators at specific times of the day.

    This measure, however, sparked discontent on social media, with many people complaining that the power cuts, often during the hottest hours, lasted for more than two hours and occurred only once a week.

    Egypt’s economy has been facing challenges due to soaring inflation and repeated currency devaluations, which have impacted purchasing power and the ability to import essential goods.

    A similar energy crisis occurred during the presidency of Islamist Mohamed Morsi in 2013, leading to widespread anger and protests before he was ousted by the military.

    In 2015, the Egyptian authorities struck a deal with Germany’s Siemens to construct three major power plants, with investments estimated at six billion euros, aimed at doubling the country’s electricity production.

    Since then, Egypt has had to grapple with the depletion of its foreign exchange reserves and mounting debt, further exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

  • 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.

  • Power Purchase Agreements should be reviewed – World Bank

    The World Bank is urging the government to reconsider some of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed as part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to help the economy recover.

    According to the bank, many of the PPAs that the government signed with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are expensive.

    The Country Director of the World Bank with responsibilities over Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia explained that many of the country’s PPAs signed for power generation are very expensive and wrong.

    Mr Pierre Frank Laporte made the call for the review of PPAs on Accra-based Joy FM’s 6:00 am news on Friday, June 2, 2023.

    He said the kind of PPAs Ghana signed means the country is paying more for power generation when it is not supposed to be so.

    “The fact is Ghana entered into some PPAs that were wrong. These types, in our view, were at the wrong rate and at the wrong prices,” he said. “And today the country is being billed for many of these wrong PPAs.”

    He said there is a need for the government to restructure some of these contracts.

    “I know that the government has started some talks with the IPPs to renegotiate some of these PPAs,” he said.

    He added that this is the way to go.

  • 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.

  • Power restored to hospital in northern Ghana after death of babies

    Power restored to hospital in northern Ghana after death of babies

    A doctor who claimed that two babies had died at a hospital in the North after a state-owned energy company cut off their power earlier this month expressed joy over the restoration of electricity.

    Dr Gbeadese Ahmed from St Anne’s Hospital in Damango told the BBC he was about to go into theatre to resume surgical operations put on hold seven days ago.

    Local MP and Lands Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor had paid off part of the hospital’s debt to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (Nedco), he said.

    The politician’s intervention followed Dr Ahmed’s interview on Monday with Citi News about the effects of the power outage on the state-run hospital in the town, which is more than 630km (390 miles) by road from the capital, Accra.

    He explained that two babies had died and three others were in a critical condition because without electricity medics at St Anne’s have been unable to organise blood transfusions for the new-borns.

    The problems began at the hospital on 4 May when the power was first cut over a debt of more than $370,000 (£342,000).

    This is when the first baby died, according to Dr Ahmed.

    The electricity was restored but Nedco warned if the bill was not settled in full it would again shut off power – and this happened on 16 May.

    The second baby died over the last week.

    Since the beginning of May Ghana’s state power firms have been cracking down on defaulters in an effort to claw back millions of dollars owed to them.

    Several government institutions have found themselves cut off for failing to settle their bills.

  • Another nationwide revenue mobilisation exercise to be embarked by ECG

    Another nationwide revenue mobilisation exercise to be embarked by ECG

    Following the fulfillment of a month-long campaign that began in March and ended in April, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced that it will embark on another Nationwide Revenue Mobilisation operation.

    The five-day exercise will begin on Monday, May 29 and end on Friday, June 2.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 23, the company indicated that “this massive revenue mobilisation exercise will focus on all categories of customers in arrears including State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and will be monitored by special teams who will apprehend and prosecute customers who attempt to interfere with the exercise, and/or undertake illegal self-reconnection after disconnection.”

    ECG to embark on another nationwide revenue mobilisation exercise

    The Company said pursuant to this, “ECG shall operate with a lean staff pool who will provide essential services to customers during the revenue mobilisation period to enable total participation by top management and staff.”

    Meanwhile, the company says it has recovered some Gh¢3.1 billion out of the total Gh¢5.7 billion debt owned by customers in its previous revenue mobilisation drive.

    Speaking at a media briefing, the Managing Director of the Company, Samuel Mahama said although the company has achieved significant feat, there was a lot more to be done.

    “Out of the Gh¢5.7 billion ECG manage to recoup GH¢ 3.1 billion,” he said on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

    Mr Mahama said despite the attempt made to recover the remaining amount, some companies were untraceable and others had collapsed.

    “There were a number of companies that have collapsed that we cannot find in terms of some taking the meters and some of them not having their physical location present.

    “Their total bills put together is about Gh¢750 million and the last group is people who are post-paid customers. We probably want to give them the benefit of the doubt but some of them it was true.

    “There were demolishing exercises, some of them flooding so those places are no longer in existence and some of them too we just can’t find them. Their bills come up to about Gh¢750 million,” he added.

    The Managing Director warned customers using power illegally to rectify or face prosecution for power theft.

  • Student engineer in Sudan electrocuted fixing power in Darfur clinic

    Student engineer in Sudan electrocuted fixing power in Darfur clinic

    A hospital that has been impacted by war in Sudan’s Darfur area lost power, and a 27-year-old electrical engineering student died while attempting to fix it.

    Muhammedin Fadul Idris Wadi, known to his friends as Ala Danedn, was electrocuted at Sayed al-Shahada Health Centre in Fasher city on Thursday.

    He was part of a group volunteers trying to keep the clinic going amid fierce clashes and looting.

    “He was known for his smile, even in the time of the war,” his friend said.

    “He gave his life as a servant of the people of Fasher,” Ahmed Ishaq, who studied with him at the University of Fasher, told the BBC.

    Ala Danedn was admired for his tireless work and selfless community initiatives, he said.

    A tag line accompanying his profile photo on Facebook reads: “Don’t wait for the opportunity, create it.”

    Since the conflict broke out in Sudan between rival military factions on 15 April, his group of volunteers, called the Youth of the al-Thawra Initiative, have been focused on assisting medics in Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.

    All medical facilities in Fasher, except South Hospital – a repurposed maternity clinic – had to close because of their proximity to the fighting, or the inability of staff to reach them.

    “I saw him working with all effort to clean and receive the wounded in South Hospital throughout the first week,” said Mr Ishaq.

    “He kept us buoyant psychologically in difficult times with his kind words – and he worked like a bee.”

    The volunteers then turned their attention to the Sayed al-Shahada Health Centre, which had been damaged and looted and subsequently abandoned by staff.

    They felt it was important to try and reopen it given its proximity to vulnerable neighbourhoods in the south of the city including Abu Shanbat and Zam Zam camps, which are home to communities who fled their villages in the ethnic violence that ravaged Darfur 20 years ago.

    His group raised money to organise for the facility to be refurbished and buy food, medicine and other medical supplies.

    “He was good at networking with pharmacies and medical supplies companies,” Mr Ishaq said of his friend’s dedication to see the health centre reopen.

    Patients at the Sayed Al-Shahada Health Centre in Darfur
    Image caption,The health centre managed to open again last week thanks to the volunteers

    The clinic started operating again last Monday with the help of 25 volunteer medics and 80 community volunteers, but was still facing difficulties.

    With many places cut off from electricity – or having an erratic supply – Ala Danedn had been attending to an electric problem at the health centre on Thursday evening.

    His friend said he collapsed after receiving a strong shock and was transferred to South Hospital.

    But after 48 hours volunteers there were unable to save him and the undergraduate died on Saturday night.

    “We had promised one another that after the war ended that we would meet once again in the city centre, replacing the sounds of bullets with melody, music and joy – sessions he loved,” Mr Ishaq said.

    “But Ala Danedn is gone and we owe it to him to keep our covenant as volunteers to make life better for our people.”

    The fighting that erupted three weeks ago is devastating the country – hundreds of civilians have died and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

    The army and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), are continuing to fight for control of key areas of the capital, Khartoum, despite attempts to get the two sides to talk.

    Around seven million people are trapped in their homes in Khartoum, unable to get basic supplies including food.

    Envoys from the army and RSF have started talks about a short-term ceasefire in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, according to Saudi officials. However, several previous ceasefires agreements have failed to halt the fighting.

  • 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.

  • Oyarifa: more than 40 fake meters seized by ECG

    Oyarifa: more than 40 fake meters seized by ECG

    At Oyarifa in the Dodowa District, the Electricity Company of Ghana has seized more than 40 bogus meters.

    The task force discovered the fake meters on their routine checks to inspect the health of ECG meters.

    The Commercial Manager of the Accra East Region, Jonathan Asatente indicated that the power distribution company has been facing such incidents for some time now, but it always finds it difficult to apprehend the culprits because persons hardly volunteer information to it.

    “Even if it is our staff that is behind this, we are ready to take them on, but it is difficult to find the truth because the people here are not willing to open up to us.”

    “Some of the customers have been using these meters for years and it is just a few of them that were truthful enough to come and notify us,” Mr. Asatente added.

    The Public Relations Manager of the Accra East Region of ECG also disclosed that the ECG has been to the area sometime back and removed those meters only to return to meet them reconnected.

    “Some of the team came here first and noticed that there were meters that were not from the ECG, and so we removed some of them but as we came today, we realized that they have reconnected again. It is difficult to tell the number of customers that are involved but at the end of the day, we will find out the numbers involved.”

  • Parliament pays GHS8m out of GHS13m debt to ECG

    Parliament pays GHS8m out of GHS13m debt to ECG

    In order to avoid being disconnected, Parliament has paid the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) about GH8 million of the GH13 million debt it owe.

    The payment comes after revenue mobilization task force from ECG visited Ghana’s legislative house with the intention of disconnecting it from the national grid.

    The exercise is part of the power distributor’s effort to recover over GH¢5 billion of debt accrued by private and state institutions for non-payment since August last year.

    The exercise began today, March 20, 2023, after ECG announced the closure of its main offices except for customer support departments in order to embark on a one-month-long exercise.

    The taskforce is currently heading to another institution.

  • ‘Leadership is an opportunity to serve and not to lord over people’ – Alan Kyerematen

    ‘Leadership is an opportunity to serve and not to lord over people’ – Alan Kyerematen

    The former Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has cautioned leaders against abusing the power they hold over their followers.

    According to him, being given the responsibility to serve people is an opportunity for one to render services and not lord over their subordinates.

    Addressing the nation on January 10, 2023, days after resigning from the government, he emphasized the need for humility in leadership and argued that being humble as a leader becomes an asset and not a weakness.

    “Corruption and petty theft or thievery, particularly from the public purse, deny our country the benefit of utilizing its tax revenue and other resources for the development of our country.

    “The arrogance of power has been a major obstruction to progress in our country. People in positions of authority must understand that leadership is an opportunity to serve the people, and not to lord over them. In servant leadership, humility is an asset and not a weakness,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Alan Kyerematen has officially declared his intention to contest in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries when nominations open.

    Speaking in a press conference on January 10, 2023, he said “I wish to use this platform to formally announce my decision to contest the flagbearership of the New Patriotic Party when the party officially opens nominations for that purpose.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Restoring power in Kherson city is “number one task”

    The city of Kherson is still without electricity, an official in the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Ukrainian television on Monday.

    “There is no electricity in Kherson city. We are working on it,” Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said. “This is the number one task for sure.”

    Ukrainian forces swept into the city and Russian troops retreated to the east on November 11 following a months-long Russian occupation.

    Tymoshenko said the government had established a network of tents and buildings that had generators — so-called “invincibility points” — where people could access hot water and heat up food. Some 1,600 people accessed these facilities on Sunday, the State Emergency Service said on Telegram.

    On Sunday, the Kherson city council also published a list of four water distribution points where residents could get water this week.

     

    Source: CNN

  • It will be the last kick of a dying horse – Otokunor speaks on NPP’s 2024 re-election bid

    An aspiring General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has described the bid of the ruling party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), going into the 2024 elections as a “last kick of a dying horse.”

    The current Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, who is seeking the substantive office of the Chief Executive position of the opposition party, explained that he knows for sure that the NPP will not give them an easy race in the impending elections.

    He added that it will be a desperate attempt for them to hold onto the power they currently have.

    “The power 2024 will not be child’s play. It will not be a joke. The NPP is not going to allow us to take it easy. It is going to be the last kick of a dying horse and you know what the last kicks of a dying horse means: the NPP will do anything to hold onto power,” he said.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb TV’s Nimatu Yakubu Atouyese on Election Desk, Dr. Peter Otokunor further stated that while that is the case, there is a need for the NDC to go into the race with a bold and fearless person.

    Putting himself forward as that candidate to be able to go head-to-head with the NPP in 2024, the politician said that he is ready to sacrifice it all.

    “Now, that would mean you would need somebody who is courageous, who is bold and fearless. Somebody who is ready to sacrifice it all. Somebody who wants to leave a legacy. Somebody who is very hungry for power to lead the party, and that is Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor for you,” he said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Public education on plastic waste must be encouraged – Naa Ayele Nobaatse

    The face of Plastic Partnership in Ghana, Naa Ayele Nobaatse, has reiterated the need for education on plastic waste in the country because of the irreparable damage it causes to the environment.

    She explained that the effects are so damaging that they last for generations, especially since plastics never rust or degrade.

    Speaking to a gathering during the Power of a Girl Conference organized by Power To Girls GH to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, on the theme, “Girl Force, Unscripted and Unstoppable,” she stressed the importance of discouraging the improper disposal of plastics.

    “If I ask you to name everything you’ve ever come across that are made of plastic, we’ll be here all day, if not more. Plastic is one of the most enduring and most powerful materials in the world. For example, put a piece of wood in the ground, and within a few years, it will be rotten. Put a piece of metal in the ground and within a few years, it will rust and decay but put plastic in the ground, above the ground, anywhere, and it remains there forever.

    “This is a scary thing for the environment, and that’s why environmentalists are so concerned about how we recycle plastic,” she said.

    The Power of a Girl Conference was organized by Power To Girls GH, headed by Aisha Addo.

     

  • Galamsey: ‘We all know those involved but it has become difficult to talk about it because of fear’ – MP

    Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Kobina Tahir (K.T.) Hammond, has said that persons financing illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) are well known but have not been exposed yet because of fear.

    He intimated that they are not talking about ‘galamsey’ because they know the power of the people involved in the menace, adomonline.com reports.

    “How do these visitors get to know these galamsey towns? Our own people hold their hands and take them to the places to do the illegal mining. We all know those involved but it has become difficult to talk about it because of fear,” the MP is quoted to have said on Asempa FM.

    K.T. Hammond, however, urged the government to start putting in place serious mechanisms to stop the menace because it is becoming very scary.

    “The issue of galamsey is a serious issue and should be looked at. Let’s be up and doing as a government and do the right thing.

    “The government should do more to end the galamsey menace. It is not acceptable any longer. Government should tighten the measures adopted in the galamsey fight,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the United States (US) Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has urged the government of Ghana to put in more effort in the fight against the menace of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) in the country.

    According to her, Ghana was not making any significant strides in the fight against the menace because only the illegal miners (‘galamseyers’) are arrested while the powerful forces behind them are not touched.

    Virginia Palmer, who made these remarks when she paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, added that if the government fails to take urgent steps to stop ‘galamsey’, the country will be in some serious crisis soon.

    “The galamseyers themselves are people who need to make a living. I think the galamseyers are not active in doing it but the powers behind them are the ones truly responsible for the evils. Indeed, they are wreaking real environmental havoc on your rivers which is having an impact on your cocoa crops. All of these things are going to have really negative consequences on the economy of Ghana,” she said.

  • We still have challenges in the Ashanti Region – ECG

    The Managing Director of the power distributing company, noted that the ECG acknowledges its fault of failing to distribute power to customers.

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the challenges it experienced with its prepaid vending system.

    The company has also disclosed that its vending stations are currently working so customers can purchase their prepaid credit.

    Speaking at a press conference held on Monday, 3 October 2022, in Accra, the Managing Director of the power distributing company, Samuel Mahama noted that the ECG acknowledges its fault of failing to distribute power to customers and apologised for the interruption in service delivery.

    Mr Mahama said: “That was our fault that we were not on top of our game to deliver a service. Let us not forget that in such a business the customer is the one that always gets hurt when you don’t deliver on your promise. So when I said I admit my fault, I admit my fault in not being able to deliver the service that we promised to deliver.

    “I will like to apologise to all customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana who attempted to purchase power and they were not able to purchase power, the company admits its fault, the company admits that it was not able to deliver on the service.”

    He however, hinted that, the company is still experiencing some challenges in the Ashanti Region.

    “But the company will like all its customers to also know that most vending stations are up and running.

    “I used most because we still have some few challenges in the Ashanti region that we are working on. Hopefully, by close of day today, it will be resolved.”

    Meanwhile, the MD, is optimistic, that challenges with the power distributing company’s prepaid vending system will be fully resolved by Tuesday, 4 October 2022.

    According to the ECG MD, customers will be able to purchase prepaid credits without challenges.

    Power consumers across certain parts of the country have, for the past six days, been unable to purchase power on their prepaid meters because of a technical challenge that affected ECG’s prepaid metering systems.

  • South Africa teens build solar train as power cuts haunt commuters

    For years, students in a South African township have seen their parents struggle to use trains for daily commutes, the railways frequently hobbled by power outages and cable thefts.

    To respond to the crisis, a group of 20 teenagers invented South Africa’s first fully solar-powered train.

    Photovoltaic panels fitted to the roof, the angular blue-and-white test train moves on an 18-metre-long (60 feet) test track in Soshanguve township north of the capital Pretoria.

    Trains are the cheapest mode of transport in South Africa, used mostly by the poor and working class.

    “Our parents… no longer use trains (because of) cable theft… and load shedding,” said Ronnie Masindi, 18, referring to rolling blackouts caused by failures at old and poorly maintained coal-powered plants.

    The state power company Eskom started imposing on-and-off power rationing 15 years ago to prevent a total national blackout.

    The power outages, known locally as load-shedding, have worsened over the years disrupting commerce and industry, including rail services.

    Infrastructure operator Transnet has struggled to keep rail traffic flowing smoothly since the economic challenges of the pandemic fuelled a surge in cable theft.

    By 2020, rail use among public transport users was down almost two-thirds compared to 2013, according to the National Households Travel Survey with many commuters turning to more expensive minibus taxis.

    Masindi said they decided to “create and build a solar-powered train that uses solar to move instead of (mains) electricity”.

    The journey has not been without its challenges.

    A lack of funding delayed production of the prototype locomotive, and the government later chipped in.

    “It was not a straight line,” said another student, Lethabo Nkadimeng, 17. “It was like taking a hike to the highest peak of the mountain.”

    The train, which can run at 30 kilometres (20 miles) per hour, was showcased at a recent universities innovation event.

    For now, the prototype can run for 10 return trips on the track installed on the grounds of a school.

    It will be used for further research, and eventually presented as a model the government could adopt.

    Fitted with car seats and a flat-screen TV to entertain passengers, it took the students two years to build.

    “What we have realised is, if we you give township learners space, resources and a little mentorship they can do anything that any learner can do around the world,” said Kgomotso Maimane, the project’s supervising teacher.

  • Kroboland: Nuaso town disconnected from power grid

    Power to Nuaso Old Town in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region has been cut off from the national grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

    The ECG’s action comes after some residents of the area allegedly threatened to pour hot and inflict cutlass wounds on the ECG and military officers should they fix the prepaid meters in the area.

    Per reports, the military men who were with the ECG officials retaliated by brutalizing the residents.

    According to the Public Relations Officer for ECG in the Tema Region, Sakyiwaa Mensah, power will only be restored when the residents consent to the installation of the prepaid meters.

    “We do not want a situation where we as a company would be piling on debt that we have not intended. This is how we operate in every other place.”

    “As we are not getting to do that [install the metres], before this outage, as part of the road map, we had said if you do not want the prepaid metres, we will disconnect you from the grid,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Assembly Member for Nuaso Electoral Area in the Eastern Region, Samuel Torgbor, says two persons are currently receiving treatment from injuries sustained yesterday.

    The Yilo and Manya Krobo municipalities were previously without power for almost a month because of the impasse with ECG over the installation of the meters.

  • Bangladesh cuts school and work hours to save power

    Bangladesh will close schools for one more day each week and reduce office hours to ease an electricity shortage, a government official says.

    Last month, the South Asian nation started daily two-hour power cuts.

    Protesters have taken to the streets in recent weeks after the government raised petrol prices by more than 50%.

    The war in Ukraine has driven up the cost of importing fuel and taken a toll on Bangladesh’s economy and foreign currency reserves.

     

    On Monday, Bangladesh Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said that schools – which were previously closed on Fridays – would now also be shut on Saturdays.

    Meanwhile, government offices and banks will have their opening hours cut to seven hours a day, instead of eight hours. However, private offices will be allowed to set their own operating hours, Mr Islam said.

    He added that the government would continue to provide power to villages, including in the early hours of the morning when crops are irrigated.

    Many parts of Bangladesh are known to go without electricity for more than two hours a day.

    The country generates most of its electricity from natural gas, some of which it imports.

    Officials have shut down all of the country’s diesel-driven power plants, which account for around 6% of Bangladesh’s electricity generation, because of the rising cost of fuel imports.

    Earlier this month, petrol prices were raised by more than 50%, with the cost of the fuel rising from 86 taka a litre (90 US cents, 76p) to 130 taka.

    At the same time the price of diesel and kerosene went up by more than 40%.

    In July, Bangladesh became the third South Asian nation to seek a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), after Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

    While the size of the potential loan has not yet been decided, talks are expected to begin after the World Bank and IMF Spring meetings in October.

    Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have dwindled to around $40bn (£34bn) or four and a half months of typical government spending.

    In recent years, the $416bn economy has been lauded as one of the fastest-growing in the world.

    Source: BBC

  • Why there were power outages in many parts of Ghana Saturday night

    Many parts of Ghana went into darkness Saturday night following a widespread power outage at about 9:30 pm.

    Areas affected included some parts of Accra, Kumasi, parts of the Volta Region and the Northern Region.

    A source at the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), told Graphic Online on Saturday night that the company had a disturbance on its main 330 kilo volts (KV) transmission line that affected most parts of the country.

    As of 10:20 pm, power had been restored to Sogakope and the next to have light was Accra, then Kumasi and other places in that order the source said.

    Graphic Online expects the power transmission company to provide a fuller media brief by Sunday, March 15.

    Source: graphic.com.gh