The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu has tasked the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to take immediate steps to address the recurring power outages in the region.
The Regional Minister, who paid a surprise visit to the regional office of the company in Ho, on April 15, expressed discontent about the intermittent power outages which he said is causing damages to economic and social life of the people in the region.
“I am here representing the people of the entire region and to inform you that we are not happy with the services you’re rendering to us lately.”
“The power outages and low voltage across the region is affecting every part of our economic and social life and it is a serious matter that must be addressed immediately,” Mr. Gunu told officials of the company.
The Regional Minister, who appeared visibly furious, tasked management of the company to improve upon their communication to the public regarding the power situation and further urged them to give consumers prior notice anytime power will go off.
“I want you to communicate, tell your consumers that you’re about to take their lights. Let them know so they can prepare. I want you to communicate with your bosses in Accra on what your challenges are, tell some of us what the problem is so we can also intervene in ensuring the people of the Volta Region get uninterrupted power supply,” he said.
Volta Regional General Manager of the company, Christiana Jatoe-Kaleo, in her reaction admitted that the power situation has become worse lately but indicated that most of the issues fall within the mandate of GRIDCo.
She, however, assured the Minister that ECG is already collaborating with GRIDCo and the other relevant agencies to resolve the challenges.
“The whole of the week, we’ve been having meetings with GRIDCo because they transmit to us, if what they are giving us is not up to the quality or the standard, we can’t do much if what they’re giving us is already low -it means those at the very far end, by the time it gets to them, it is already low.”
“So yes, what is happening affects us too and we are working with the others to ensure it is resolved” she assured.
The Volta Region, since October last year has been experiencing poor electricity power supply, but the situation has become worse in recent weeks with the lights going off every night across the region.
Places like Ho, the regional capital are however, experiencing low voltage with concerns high among residents who say their household appliances and businesses are being affected.
