President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians of fixing the recent power outages, commonly referred to as “Dumsor” experienced in some parts of the Country.
Acknowledging the issue, president Akufo-Addo said his government is committed to addressing the situation to prevent further inconveniences.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 17, during the commissioning of the first phase of the Anwomaso 1 Thermal Power Plant in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo addressed the power challenges directly, marking his first public statement on the matter since its onset.
He stressed that while the situation is regrettable, it is not insurmountable, and his administration is implementing measures to mitigate the impact of the power outages.
“I do acknowledge, Minister for Energy, ladies and gentlemen, and Nananom, the challenges that the people of Ashanti and indeed other parts of the country have had to endure in very recent times over the supply of power. And I can only thank you for the patience you have exhibited in the face of these challenges.”
President Akufo-Addo emphasised that there is a growing demand for power as the population and economic activities of the country continue to expand hence projects like the power station is important in boosting the country’s energy supply to meet the expectations of Ghanaians.
“This power project is the first in Kumasi and by extension, the Ashanti region. It is very significant as it will improve the delivery of electricity to the middle and northern belts of the country.
“Projects are further confirmation if any were needed, and my government is committed to ensuring that all parts of the country have the necessary infrastructure for development.”
The President further noted that, with the country’s national electrification rate of 88.8% one of the highest on the continent, the goal is to have full electricity access by the end of this year and ensure that the areas of power generation, transmission and distribution, receive significant investments towards the provision of reliable and competitively-priced electricity to ensure economic growth.
With a total installed capacity of 150 megawatts, the plant marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable electricity supply, particularly in the Ashanti Region with Anwomaso Gas Pipeline undertaken by Genser Energy expected to feed the plant with natural gas from the Western Region.
