Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene in Ghana’s deepening energy sector crisis. The Minority Chief Whip states that persistent power outages, known as “dumsor,” are severely threatening businesses and livelihoods across the country. He warns that these outages have exposed profound structural problems within Ghana’s electricity system.
Annoh-Dompreh, a New Patriotic Party legislator, stresses that despite assurances that erratic power supply had ended, outages continue frequently. These blackouts cause significant economic losses for various businesses. Cold store operators, restaurants, salons, and small-scale manufacturers all struggle to survive due to unreliable electricity. A fishmonger investing GHS 10,000 in stock can lose everything in a single unannounced 18-hour outage.
This ongoing energy instability fits into a broader narrative of Ghana’s recurrent power challenges, with 'dumsor' being a familiar impediment to economic growth. Previous governments have faced similar difficulties in ensuring consistent power supply to industries and households. Data indicates that during past periods of severe 'dumsor', GDP growth often decelerated. The current situation threatens to undermine efforts toward economic recovery and stability.
Annoh-Dompreh criticised the government for introducing a GHS1 fuel levy, arguing that it failed to achieve its stated aims. The levy was supposed to stabilise electricity supply and reduce fuel prices. Instead, Ghana experiences worsening outages and rising fuel costs. Diesel prices have climbed from about GHS 14.20 per litre to GHS 16.20. Petrol prices also increased from approximately GHS 11.40 to over GHS 13.20 per litre. Businesses face higher costs for powering generators, rendering continuous operation unsustainable.
The legislator emphasized that Ghana's power challenges are no longer solely due to generation deficits. The country’s installed electricity generation capacity has significantly improved, rising from 3,774.6 megawatts to about 5,507 megawatts. The energy mix has also expanded, incorporating more thermal and renewable generation sources. Yet, erratic power supply persists, indicating unresolved policy and structural failures rather than just technical issues.
Annoh-Dompreh proposed several reforms to restore stability to the sector. He suggested merging the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) into a single distribution entity. This new company would better support effective private sector participation. He also called for the merger of the Bui Power Authority and the Volta River Authority to reduce duplication and operational waste.
Furthermore, he proposed that the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) should focus solely on transmission responsibilities. An Independent Power Market Administrator should also be established. This body would coordinate planning and technical operations across the entire power value chain. These structural changes aim to streamline operations and improve accountability.
The Minority Chief Whip urged President Mahama to suspend the GHS1 fuel levy immediately. He also called for a financial audit of the energy sector and disclosure of Ghana’s true electricity generation capacity. Annoh-Dompreh recommended establishing an Emergency Energy Sector Task Force. This task force would include parliamentarians, civil society organizations, and independent experts to develop a credible recovery plan. He also appealed for engagement with Independent Power Producers and gas suppliers to resolve outstanding payment arrears, which threaten generation capacity.
The implications of continued 'dumsor' are severe, with potential for further business closures and job losses. Decision-makers will need to address the structural issues and financial burdens within the energy sector. Market confidence could further erode if solutions are not quickly implemented. The government’s response to these proposals and the escalating power crisis will be critical in the coming months. Addressing these concerns is vital for Ghana’s economic future.