The Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Franklin Cudjoe has called for urgent action to address the pressing challenges facing the country’s power sector following the appointment of Deputy Minister of Energy, Herbert Kramaph as the Board Chair of Electricity Company of Ghana.
Mr Cudjoe, known for his vocal advocacy on matters of national importance, minced no words as he called for decisive steps to deal with the multiple problems plaguing the state-owned power-distributing institution, the Electricity Company of Ghana.
He noted that, with just a few months remaining before the current administration’s tenure ends, the government must take swift measures and demonstrate effective leadership to tackle the longstanding issue of power rationing in the country, popularly referred to by most Ghanaians as ‘Dumsor’.
“We for take am like that. Deputy Energy Minister as board chairman of the very difficult state-owned institution. Well, he might just be the one to heal the state’s Electricity Company’s (ECG’s) multiple wounds before they prepare to leave office in December”.
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President IMANI Africa
The leader of the policy think-tank, IMANI Africa while calling on Ghanaians to offer Mr Krampah the needed support to deliver on his mandate as the Board Chair of the Electricity Company of Ghana, also urged him to take immediate steps to provide Ghanaians with a timetable for the ongoing power rationing.
He chastised the Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr Matthew Opoku Premeph for failing to apologize to Ghanaians over his recent comments on the ongoing power outages in the country which sparked public outrage.
Mr Cudjo, while demanding accountability and empathy from the ruling government, further urged the Energy Minister to express genuine regret over what he described as “condescending and disrespectful” remarks concerning the hardships endured by citizens and businesses due to the erratic power supply.
Power Outages in Ghanaian Hospitals Put Lives at Risk
Meanwhile, in a scathing response to reports of power outages affecting some major health facilities across the country, Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, a Research Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has vehemently condemned the lack of a clear timetable for the power outages.
The distinguished Pharmacist strongly asserted that the lack of a clear timetable for the ongoing power outages in the country places the lives of vulnerable patients, including newborns in intensive care, in imminent danger.
Dr. Sarpong decrying the dire consequences of electricity disruptions within hospitals, further alleged that the situation has resulted in reported mortalities, particularly affecting infants in critical care units.
The pharmacist, renowned for his advocacy in healthcare issues, urged the ruling government and leadership of the Electricity Company of Ghana to transcend political rhetoric and prioritize the welfare of citizens.
He called for a cessation of what he perceived as obfuscation and deception regarding the state of the power supply, urging a transparent and humane approach to addressing the problem.
Dr Sarpong argued that if the government provide a clear timetable for the ongoing power outages in the country, it will help the various health facilities to put in place plans to mitigate risks and safeguard patients.
“Yes, you tell us there is no Dumsor. Let’s say we believe the lie. Please be magnanimous, show your humanity, cut out the politics and give us a timetable. This is not leadership or boodymindedness, it’s wickedness plain and simple”
Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, CDD-Ghana Research Fellow
Dr. Sarpong’s impassioned plea comes amidst growing public frustration over the lack of accountability and solutions regarding the country’s energy crisis.
His demand for a detailed timetable for power outages reflects a broader sentiment among Ghanaians who are grappling with the tangible consequences of unreliable electricity supply.
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