Dumsor: Energy Minister rejects calls for load-shedding timetable

Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has called the bluff of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) which is demanding a load-shedding timetable as the nation grapples with unstable power supply.

The regulator, PURC, had directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to furnish it with a load management timetable by 2 April 2024, amid ongoing challenges with internet connectivity and disruptions in electricity supply experienced by Ghanaians.

Despite recent power interruptions, ECG has stated that there is currently no need for a load-shedding timetable. Adding his voice to the issue Dr Opoku-Prempeh, aka Napo, dismissed the request indicating that the demand for a load-shedding timetable is equivalent to wishing evil for the country.

“Let those who want the timetable bring it. I don’t know of any timetable because the ECG has said it is not necessary. Why would someone just wish evil for the country?” the Manhyia South lawmaker quizzed.

He however reassured Ghanaians that the government is working towards power restoration.

“I have promised you that we are going to work on it and it’s not a single event. It’s a process,” he indicated.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh says although the recent power outages confronting the country have become a major challenge, it is better under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo than it was under John Mahama.

In a related development, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun a comprehensive inspection of all distribution transformers in the Ashanti Region, aiming to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

The exercise which started on Sunday (24 March), covered all twenty-one (21) districts within the region. ECG officials diligently visited transformers across various communities, including key locations in Adum such as the Central Market, Bank of Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

It comes after eight pylons were attacked by some suspected thieves plunging most communities into darkness. The power distributor has thus urged residents to report such miscreants to the appropriate authorities for swift action.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Ashanti Region

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