In response to the persistent intermittent power outages, commonly referred to as ‘dumsor’, President Akufo-Addo has issued a directive to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to reduce the export of electricity to neighboring countries. This move underscores the President’s prioritization of domestic energy needs over potential profits from exporting power.
Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairman of the Energy Committee of Parliament, highlighted the President’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of energy instability during an interview on JoyNews in Accra. Akyea, who also serves as the Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, emphasized that the directive reflects the President’s recognition of the national need and willingness to forgo foreign profits in favor of ensuring sufficient electricity supply domestically.
“The President has a sense of the national need rather than making profits abroad,” Akyea affirmed, adding, “We cannot afford to say ‘Okay, let’s make good money abroad and let the national economy suffer.'” He further explained that the decision entails curtailing electricity exports and diverting the supply to bolster the national grid, thereby addressing the pressing energy needs within the country.
Ghana has been grappling with erratic electricity supply in recent times, leading to disruptions across various sectors and inconveniences for consumers. Despite exporting power to neighboring countries such as Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso, the government’s decision to reduce these exports signifies a proactive step to mitigate the adverse effects of the power crisis on the nation’s economy and populace.
Akyea reiterated the President’s unwavering commitment to tackling the instability in the country’s power supply, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing domestic energy requirements to alleviate the impact of ‘dumsor’ on Ghana’s citizens and economy.
As the government takes decisive action to address the energy challenges, stakeholders remain hopeful that these measures will contribute to stabilizing the power situation and fostering sustainable economic growth and development in Ghana.