In an expressive display of civic unrest, hundreds of Ghanaians took to the streets of Accra, the capital city, on Saturday to protest against the ongoing power outages severely affecting businesses and everyday life across the nation.
Clad in red and black, symbolizing their distress and resilience, with leadership figures sporting red berets, the demonstrators made their way through the bustling city. Their march not only drew significant public attention but also led to notable traffic disruptions during the evening. The procession was accompanied by the sound of patriotic songs, with participants carrying kerosene lanterns as a vivid portrayal of their dire circumstances.
Ghana, historically a forerunner in aggressive electrification within Africa, finds itself grappling with persistent issues of power supply and the challenge of meeting growing demand. The protest, dubbed the #DumsorMustStop vigil – with “dumsor” signifying ‘power cuts’, was spearheaded by renowned Ghanaian actress and film producer Yvonne Nelson.
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Highlighting personal grievances, Nelson expressed, “I am feeling the heat, and I am here to voice out.” The demonstration drew support from various sectors, including prominent Ghanaian comedian DKB, who lamented, “These unannounced power outages are killing our craft. We need stable electricity to thrive.”
The distress extended to ordinary citizens like Anita Twumasi, a trader, who voiced concern over the health of her six-month-old baby amidst the stifling heat during power cuts.
Protesters pointed fingers at the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, accusing it of failing to secure the necessary fuel supplies, resulting in power failures. Among the slogans displayed on banners were demands for recognizing electricity as a fundamental right, accusations of governmental failure, and a call for progress through reliable power supply.
As Ghana navigates through these turbulent times, the issue of reliable electricity provision has surged to the forefront of public discourse, especially with the looming elections in December. The power outages have not only drawn the ire of political and social activists but have also dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of many local traders.
