Report by Apeke Rosemary- 02/04/2024
In a recent statement, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Ghana’s Energy Minister, when told that citizens were demanding for a timetable stated that the people asking for a timetable for the load shedding should be the ones to provide it.
He then asserted that the NPP administration, under President Nana Akufo-Addo, has made monumental strides in revolutionizing the country’s energy sector, surpassing the accomplishments of the previous administration led by John Mahama. Addressing concerns over the persistent power outages, popularly known as “dumsor,” Dr. Prempeh assured the public of ongoing efforts to mitigate the issue.
“Comparing four years under the NPP administration to the same duration under the previous administration, the energy sector’s performance is three hundred times better,” Dr. Prempeh declared. Despite acknowledging the existence of power outages, he emphasized that the current situation is significantly improved compared to the challenges faced during the Mahama era.
The assertion comes amidst widespread public frustration with intermittent power cuts, sparking debates about the government’s handling of the energy crisis. Dr. Prempeh, however, sought to reassure citizens, stating, “There is nothing like ‘dumsor.’ It is the public that calls the load shedding that name.
The Minister’s remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing the energy challenges facing the nation. “We promise you we are going to work on it,” he affirmed, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the efforts. “It is not a work that is of single events but a process, and we will continue to work on it to make it better.”
However, critics argue that despite the purported improvements, the persistence of power outages suggests deeper systemic issues within the energy sector that require urgent attention.
As the nation grapples with the energy dilemma, the government faces mounting pressure to deliver tangible solutions and restore public confidence in its ability to manage the sector effectively. Dr. Prempeh’s reassurances signal a concerted effort to address these concerns while acknowledging the need for sustained action and collaboration to achieve lasting results.
In the midst of uncertainties surrounding Ghana’s energy future, citizens remain vigilant, awaiting tangible progress and holding their leaders accountable for delivering on their promises. As the debate rages on, the quest for reliable and affordable electricity continues to shape the national discourse, with the hopes of a brighter energy landscape on the horizon.
