Dark Days Ahead: Ghana Announces 3 Weeks Of Power Cuts Due To Reduction In Gas From Nigeria
Ghana is set to experience widespread power outages for the next three weeks, a dire situation attributed to a significant reduction in gas supply from Nigeria. The state power firm has cited maintenance activities at an unnamed Nigerian gas supplier as the root cause of this energy crisis.
For years, Ghanaians have been plagued by intermittent power supply, colloquially termed “dumsor,” meaning “on and off” in the local Akan language. This new development threatens to exacerbate an already precarious situation, with power demand having surged due to rapid urbanization and population growth.
The ripple effect of the gas shortfall is also being felt in neighbouring Togo and Benin, as reported by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). The company has expressed that the current predicament is beyond its control and is a result of external factors.
In an attempt to manage the limited gas supply, Ghana’s state-owned power firm has announced plans to implement load-shedding strategies. A joint statement released by the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Ghana Grid Company on Thursday reassured the public of their collaboration with stakeholders to minimize the impact on consumers.
This announcement comes on the heels of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s decision to limit electricity exports to Togo, Burkina Faso, and Benin in response to similar supply challenges just two months prior.
The financial strain on the energy sector is palpable, with private electricity suppliers claiming arrears of $1.6 billion from the state power company. The head of the suppliers’ association, Elikplim Kwabla Apetogbor, has voiced concerns over the potential shutdown of operations if these debts remain unpaid.
Ghana, a leading global producer of gold and cocoa, has increasingly relied on gas to fuel its electricity generation. Despite the country’s diverse energy mix, including hydro and thermal sources, the maintenance of these facilities has been less than optimal, further contributing to the nation’s energy woes.
