Ghanaians have shown patience, according to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, despite the nation’s recent experience with “dumsor,” or power shortages.
He accepted that as the government searched for long-term solutions to put a stop to this issue, Ghanaians and businesses had to suffer through these “dumsor” times.
Speaking at the commissioning of the first phase of the Anwomaso 1 Thermal Power Plant in Kumasi on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, President Akufo-Addo said, “I do acknowledge, Minister for Energy, ladies and gentlemen, and Nananom, the challenges that the people of Ashanti and indeed other parts of the country have had to endure in very recent times over the supply of power. And I can only thank you for the patience you have exhibited in the face of these challenges.”
Recall that the Electricity Company of Ghana was ordered by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to provide a load management schedule by April 2, 2024.
Concerns over the ongoing power outages throughout the nation are growing, and several Ghanaians have called on the power distribution corporation to provide a load-shedding schedule. Still, it was all in vain.
In a statement, ECG management insisted that there will be no official load-shedding timetable and that the power disruptions are the result of technical issues.
In a latest development, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has imposed a heavy fine of five million, eight hundred and sixty-eight thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢5,868,000.00) on members of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) board who served from January 1 to March 18, 2024.
This action was taken due to their violation of Regulation 39 of L.I. 2413, which requires prior notification to consumers before any power interruption.
About the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant
The K1TPP is the decommissioned Ameri Power Plant, which had been relocated to Kumasi to provide stable power to the middle and northern belt of the country.
The plant has a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW).
President Akufo-Addo said the commissioning of the plant was a demonstration of the government’s quest to provide sustainable electricity for the nation.
FAB/YGO
