A group calling itself “Youths for Asantemen” held a demonstration in Kumasi demanding a load reduction schedule in response to recent unannounced power outages.
The demonstrators, dressed in red and black, persuaded the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ministry of Energy to ensure a stable supply of electricity.
The protests followed President Akufo-Addo’s commissioning of the Kumasi 1 thermal power plant to improve access to electricity.
Protesters took to the streets of Kumasi, chanting loudly. He called on the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to immediately respond to the request for a load reduction schedule.
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“We need Napo (Minister of Energy) to act as soon as possible. We want a schedule that supports our work. This power outage is impacting our business.” said the protester.
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Speaker Jerry James Suka while addressing the demonstrators expressed his dissatisfaction with the Akufo-Addo-led government.
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He said mismanagement in the sector has led to intermittent power outages across the country.
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βEconomic mismanagement and power outages by the Akufo-Addo government have contributed significantly to the soaring cost of living for Ghanaians. This unfortunate situation poses serious challenges to individuals and families across the country.β
βFirst, economic mismanagement led to inflation and currency devaluation, reducing the purchasing power of the general public. Itβs becoming increasingly difficult to buy essentials.β
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βThe erosion of real wages due to inflation is exacerbating the economic strain many Ghanaians are experiencing.
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In addition, poor power management has led to frequent and prolonged power outages, commonly referred to as “dumbsols.” These power outages disrupt economic activity, leading to reduced productivity and increased operating costs for businesses,β he explained.
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Demonstrators sang patriotic songs and lit candles before ending their demonstration at Amacom.
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