Amidst Ghana's recent power crisis, Nana Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a Senior Presidential Advisor, has shed light on the authority responsible for the decision to release a load-shedding timetable. According to him, the power lies solely with the Energy Minister, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as Napo, emphasizing that only Napo, overseeing the energy generation ecosystem, holds the power to order such publication.
Highlighting the Minister's Authority
Osafo-Maafo underscored the authority vested in the Minister, emphasizing that load-shedding timetables, although feasible, require Napo's directive due to his oversight of power generation and distribution. "To publish the rationing of power, nobody can do it except the Minister of Energy because he is overseeing the generation and they [ECG] are looking at the utilization. So, they can look at it and say that in this particular area, this is how it should be done," he stated on the sidelines of a forum on open government partnerships and construction sector transparency in Accra.
Minister's Dismissal of Load-Shedding Calls
The sector minister, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, recently dismissed public calls for a load-shedding timetable. In response to queries about the timetable at an event by the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Opoku Prempeh challenged those requesting it to bring it forward, stating, "Ask those who want it to bring it, if there is, I haven’t seen any timetable. When you say bring a timetable, what do you mean? The ECG says that there is no timetable so why are you asking for a timetable?"
The 'Dumsor' Palava
Ghanaians have been experiencing erratic power supply for several months, prompting concerns from businesses regarding its adverse effects on operations. The situation has led to comparisons with the 'dumsor' era of 2015-2016 under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
As far back as late 2023, citizens across the country began experiencing frequent and unpredictable power cuts. These outages, which have worsened in 2024, have caused disruptions to businesses and citizens' daily activities, prompting some to conclude that 'dumsor' is back.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) ruled that ECG was shedding load and demanded a timetable, a ruling that was rejected by ECG along with the associated fine. Government officials have claimed that the outages are not a result of 'dumsor' and have insisted that there is no need for a timetable.
Minister Prempeh's Challenge
The problem was further exacerbated when Minister for Energy, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, challenged those calling for a timetable to come up with one themselves.
In conclusion, the recent statements from Nana Yaw Osafo-Maafo and Energy Minister Dr. Opoku Prempeh highlight the complexities surrounding Ghana's power crisis. While Osafo-Maafo clarifies the authority responsible for a load-shedding timetable, Dr. Opoku Prempeh's dismissal of calls for a timetable adds to the ongoing debate. The 'dumsor' era comparisons and the refusal of ECG to comply with the PURC ruling continue to raise questions about the root causes of the power crisis and the best path forward.
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