The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) survey report on power outages has revealed the detrimental impact of unstable power supply on Ghanaians, particularly businesses and households in the Greater Accra Region.
According to the IEA, the persistent issue of Dumsor has caused significant hardship for many individuals in the Greater Accra Region. The financial losses outlined in the survey encompass damages to goods and lost revenue resulting from power interruptions.
Furthermore, the report highlights that the consequences of Dumsor in Ghana extend beyond a mere decline in GDP, encompassing the hardships faced by individuals and small businesses in the form of appliance damages and financial setbacks.
During a press conference held at the IEA Office in Accra today, Mr Samuel Manu, the head of Survey at the IEA, revealed that over 70% of businesses and 61% of households have experienced severe effects, including damages to their electrical appliances during power outages.
“Dumsor persisted even after President Nana Addo made a bold declaration that Dumsor was over and would never return. He alluded that reliable energy is crucial for economic growth and development,” he said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended that the electricity company of Ghana provide advance notice of power outages to assist businesses and households in efficiently planning their daily activities.
The IEA is urging the government to collaborate with key stakeholders in the power sector to develop a long-term and sustainable solution to Ghana’s persistent power crisis. The consequences of this crisis are severe for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as low-income households.
They therefore called for a permanent solution that may transcend government. “We expect all political parties to produce a roadmap for a lasting solution to Ghana’s energy in their manifestos.”
The IEA is appealing to the Government and Parliament should consider policies to make alternative power sources affordable and available to the people of Ghana. These include tax reductions on renewable energy such as solar panels and solar-powered portable lights.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie
