The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have announced a three-week load management programme due to a reduction in gas supply from Nigeria.
This situation is causing interruptions in power supply across various parts of the country.
In a joint press release, GRIDCo and ECG explained that the reduction in gas supply stems from maintenance work being undertaken by a gas supplier in Nigeria.
The West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), responsible for the gas supply, has informed the Ghanaian energy entities that the maintenance is expected to last for three weeks.
The statement from GRIDCo noted that the maintenance work has led to a significant decrease in the overall power generation capacity in Ghana.
Consequently, GRIDCo and ECG said this would necessitate load management with attendant power supply interruptions across Ghana during this period.
The power companies assured the public that they are collaborating with other stakeholders within the power value chain to optimize available resources.
This collaboration aims to minimize the impact of the gas supply reduction on consumers.
GRIDCo and ECG apologized for any inconvenience caused.
This erratic electricity supply isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s part of a systemic power crisis that affects every facet of Ghanaian life—from residential consumers to small and large businesses alike.
The term “dumsor,” coined in 2013 to describe the erratic power outages, has unfortunately become ingrained in our national lexicon.
It symbolizes more than just the inconvenience of lights flickering on and off; it represents lost productivity, economic setbacks, and social unrest.
Recent surveys underscore the dissatisfaction among Ghanaians with the quality of energy services, highlighting a disconnect between expectations and reality.
Beyond immediate remedies, such as load management schedules, Ghana must confront the deeper challenges facing its energy infrastructure.
Reliability, affordability, and democratic accountability in energy governance must take center stage in national discourse. Sustainable solutions require not just short-term fixes but a concerted effort to overhaul outdated systems, invest in renewable energy sources, and enhance operational efficiencies across the board.
The economic toll of these power disruptions is staggering. Reports suggest Ghana loses millions of dollars daily due to production losses linked to unreliable electricity supply. Industries, agriculture, healthcare facilities, and essential services like telecommunications and water supply all suffer.
This isn’t just about economic figures; it’s about the livelihoods of millions who depend on consistent electricity for their daily needs and economic activities.
