Generators And Inverters Make A Strong Comeback In Kumasi As Residents And Businesses Grapple With Power Outages

The persistent power outages in the Ashanti Region, particularly in Kumasi, have forced businesses and residents to revert to using power generators, a situation reminiscent of the past “dumsor” era. Over the past few weeks, intermittent electricity cuts have disrupted daily life and economic activities, leaving many to rely on alternative power sources to keep operations running.

Kumasi’s Central Business District (CBD), once bustling with activity, is now filled with the constant hum of generators as businesses struggle to cope with the erratic power supply. Banks, restaurants, shops, and other enterprises have been hit hard, with many reporting significant disruptions to their operations and financial losses. The outages have also affected residents, who are left to endure the discomfort of prolonged power cuts, especially during the intense heat.

A local trader expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve bought one generator and now I need to get one for my workplace. Times are hard.” Another trader echoed similar sentiments, linking the situation to the return of “dumsor” and calling for a load-shedding timetable to help people plan better. “The use of generators is on the rise, and the cost of fuelling them isn’t easy. They should provide us with a timetable; that would be better,” they said.

The rising cost of fuel has further compounded the challenges, making it increasingly difficult for individuals and businesses to afford the expense of running generators. This has added financial strain to an already difficult situation, with many questioning the reliability of the power supply.

Benjamin Antwi, Public Relations Officer for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Ashanti West, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the outages and assured the public that measures are being taken to address the issue. “We apologise to all our clients for the inconvenience caused. We want to assure them that measures are in place to address the situation,” he said. However, Antwi also highlighted the recurring problem of theft targeting ECG’s electrical installations, which he noted is a significant factor contributing to the power disruptions.

While power outages are not unique to the Ashanti Region, the situation there is particularly severe due to the region’s high energy demand. The frequent interruptions have not only disrupted business operations but also raised concerns about the long-term impact on the local economy and the well-being of residents.

As Kumasi continues to grapple with these challenges, calls for a more reliable power supply and proactive measures from authorities are growing louder. For now, the sound of generators serves as a stark reminder of the region’s ongoing struggle with electricity instability.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com