The New Patriotic Party in the Talensi Constituency has given the Northern Electricity Distribution Company and the government one week to explain persistent power outages that it says have become so predictable that some residents prepare for blackouts whenever rain clouds gather.
The party says the recurring outages are disrupting businesses, affecting household incomes and causing anxiety among residents, particularly during the rainy season.
In a statement signed by Talensi Constituency Communications Officer Yinwonba Yinnamaltiman Emmanuel, popularly known as Handsome Gee, the NPP demanded an explanation of the cause of the outages, measures being taken to address them and when residents should expect a lasting solution.
The party directed its demands at the NDC government, NEDCo and, where applicable, the Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo.
“Residents have observed a disturbing pattern in which even light rainfall is frequently accompanied by power outages,” the statement said. “The situation has become so predictable that residents, including children, now anticipate power outages whenever there are signs of rainfall.”
According to the NPP, some residents now rush to charge mobile phones and other essential devices whenever the weather changes because they expect electricity supply to be interrupted.
“Elderly residents and other members of the community are often forced to rush to charge their phones and other essential devices before the lights go off,” the party said.
Beyond the inconvenience to households, the NPP said the outages were taking a financial toll on businesses that depend on reliable electricity.
It cited cold-store operators who risk losing frozen fish, chicken, sausages and other perishable products during prolonged outages.
Drinking-spot operators, barbers and other small businesses that rely heavily on electricity are also being affected, the party said.
“Drinking-spot operators are also suffering because customers are understandably reluctant to purchase beverages that cannot be properly chilled,” the statement said. “Barbers and other small businesses that depend on electricity are equally affected, with some forced to close their shops whenever rainfall occurs because they expect the power supply to be interrupted.”
The Talensi NPP linked the situation to the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy, arguing that businesses could not operate effectively around the clock without reliable electricity.
“How can this be happening under a government that promised a 24-Hour Economy which is reliant on reliable and cheaper electricity supply?” the party asked.
The NPP said residents had not received adequate information about the cause of the outages despite what it described as the persistent nature of the problem.
It called on NEDCo and other relevant authorities to provide accurate information that would allow residents and businesses to plan around any challenges affecting electricity supply.
“We believe that providing residents with accurate and timely information will enable businesses and households to plan their activities accordingly,” the statement said.
The party subsequently gave the government and NEDCo one week to respond to its concerns and take steps to address the outages.
“We are therefore calling on the NDC government and the relevant authorities, including NEDCo, to take immediate steps to address the situation and provide residents of Talensi with a clear explanation within one week,” it said.
The party warned that it could join affected residents in pursuing what it described as “appropriate and lawful steps” if authorities fail to adequately respond within the period.
“Enough is enough. The people of Talensi deserve better,” the statement said.
The statement did not specify what action the party intends to take if the one-week deadline expires without a response.
NEDCo and GRIDCo’s explanations for the reported outages were not included in the statement.
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