Ghana’s power crisis requires shared responsibility, long-term solutions – Victor Ask-Nankong

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team in the Chiana-Paga Constituency, Victor Ask-Nankong Kaba Anedam, has called for a collective effort among government, electricity consumers and industry players to address Ghana’s persistent power challenges and rising electricity tariffs.

Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 2, Anedam said the country’s electricity sector should not be treated solely as a political issue, stressing that power challenges affect all Ghanaians irrespective of their political affiliations.

He noted that Ghana’s growing population and increasing demand for electricity had placed significant pressure on the country’s power generation capacity, making it necessary for successive governments to pursue sustainable, long-term solutions rather than relying mainly on tariff adjustments to address sector shortfalls.

According to him, Ghana’s metering system also requires urgent attention, particularly the replacement of outdated meters that may not accurately reflect newly approved electricity tariffs.

“It is time we try to look at more prudent measures to curtail this canker once and for all,” he said.

Anedam identified exchange-rate fluctuations, generation costs and inflation as some of the major factors influencing electricity tariffs.

He explained that electricity generation involved costs associated with imported equipment and other inputs, many of which were priced in foreign currency.

He said depreciation of the Ghana cedi could therefore increase the cost of inputs required for power generation, ultimately putting upward pressure on electricity tariffs.

Anedam also urged electricity consumers to play their part in addressing the challenges by avoiding illegal connections, properly maintaining their meters and paying their electricity bills on time.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that we do not do illegal connections in our houses. It is also our responsibility to ensure that we keep the meters in good shape. It is also our responsibility to ensure that we pay our bills,” he said.

He, however, maintained that government had an equally important responsibility to replace obsolete meters, maintain the electricity transmission infrastructure and expand the country’s generation capacity.

Anedam further criticised the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over its decision to collateralise the Energy Sector Levy, arguing that the move had limited funds that could otherwise have been available to address challenges within the energy sector.

He said although political parties might disagree over the causes of Ghana’s power challenges, the priority should now be on implementing practical and sustainable measures that would ensure reliable electricity supply while reducing the financial burden on consumers.

“The government now have to look at the decisions or the policies they are undertaking at the moment and how it is going to have a long-term impact on the ordinary Ghanaian,” he added.

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