The announcement by Ghanaian electricity distributors of intensified power disruptions for three weeks has ignited frustration among citizens already grappling with frequent outages and businesses struggling under the country’s fragile economy.
The Ghana Grid Company (GridCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), responsible for electricity transmission and distribution, attributed the upcoming disruptions to “maintenance work” in Nigeria, a primary supplier of gas for Ghana’s power plants.
Chronic Shortages Plague Ghana’s Power Sector
This news has sparked anxiety among Ghanaians, who are accustomed to regular and unexpected power cuts, locally known as “dumsor.”
Despite being one of Africa’s most electrified nations, Ghana faces chronic shortages and struggles to meet the growing demand for electricity.
According to the International Energy Agency, 63% of Ghana’s electricity comes from natural gas, and 34% from hydropower. However, aging and poorly maintained power plants exacerbate the supply challenges.
Gas Supply Disruptions from Nigeria
Although Ghana produces oil and gas, it relies on imports from Nigeria through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
WAPCo, the pipeline’s operator, reported a decrease in available gas due to maintenance work by a Nigerian gas producer. This dependency on gas, particularly from external suppliers, has heightened Ghana’s vulnerability to power shortages.
Calls for Investment in Renewables and Modernization
Energy experts like Ben Boakye, director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), advocate for prioritizing investments in renewable energy and modernizing existing power plants to ensure a stable electricity supply.
The current reliance on gas, especially from external sources, leaves Ghana vulnerable to disruptions.
The unreliable power supply has adversely affected businesses and livelihoods. Judith Esi Baidoo, a frozen poultry seller, laments the challenges faced by her business due to the irregular electricity supply.
The planned outages further threaten her inventory and business viability. Timothy Oddoye, a mobile phone repair technician, expresses frustration with the government’s perceived inaction in addressing the persistent power issues, hindering business development.
Protests and Political Ramifications
The public discontent over power cuts culminated in a protest on June 8th, with hundreds of Ghanaians, including celebrities, demanding an end to “dumsor.”
The issue is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming presidential campaign as the country grapples with economic challenges, including high inflation.
Ghana is not alone in facing electricity shortages. Nigeria, also plagued by frequent power cuts, has reduced its electricity supply to neighboring countries like Togo, Niger, and Benin for six months. This regional context underscores the broader challenges in ensuring reliable power access across West Africa.