Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in the midst of Ghana’s ongoing power challenges, has issued a challenge to those advocating for a structured load-shedding timetable from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Despite mounting pressure and calls from various quarters for an official schedule to manage power outages, ECG has remained steadfast in its refusal to implement one, citing the absence of an official “dumsor” situation.
The call for a timetable has been particularly pronounced in the Greater Accra Region, where residents and businesses are grappling with erratic power supply.
However, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other notable figures have joined the chorus demanding transparency from ECG and acknowledgement of the current power crisis by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, speaking to reporters during the inauguration of the NPP campaign team in the Ashanti Region, challenged critics to devise their own load-shedding timetable if they believe it is necessary. He questioned the rationale behind such demands when ECG has repeatedly stated that no timetable is forthcoming.
“Ask those who want it to bring it if there is. I haven’t seen any timetable. The ECG says that there’s no timetable coming, why do you want to bring a timetable, for what purpose? Why would somebody wake up and wish evil and wish bad for the country? When it is not planned, you can’t tell the person,” he stated.
The minister assured the public that efforts are underway to address the challenges facing the power sector, but stopped short of providing specific details on mitigation strategies.