The power crisis in Ghana, caused by a lack of gas supply, is not only a result of poor maintenance of hydro and thermal sources, but also exacerbated by the country’s financial distress.

Ghana is currently facing a nationwide power outage due to a shortage of gas to power the electricity generation machinery. The power crisis has been worsened by the country’s economic crisis and poor maintenance of energy sources.

The recent power outage in Ghana has plunged most parts of the country into darkness, causing significant inconvenience for its citizens. The power distribution firm Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has reported a supply gap of 550MW at peak time at the Tema power plant near the capital, Accra. This outage is the worst the country has experienced in two years.

Ghana’s energy provision has been described as “critically unhealthy and tottering towards a power crisis” in a study conducted by the Centre for Socioeconomic Studies (CSS). The study also highlighted the impact of the country’s financial distress on the power situation. Independent power producers in Ghana have threatened to shut down operations due to arrears owed to them by the state-run Electricity Company of Ghana.

GRIDCo, the power operator, has cited limited gas supply to the Tema power plant as the cause of the curtailed electricity supply to consumers in some parts of Ghana. However, the company has not provided details on the reason behind the gas supply problem or the expected duration of the power outage.

Ghana has been grappling with power shortages, commonly known as “dumsor”, for several years. The country relies heavily on hydro and thermal sources for electricity generation, but these sources are often poorly maintained, leading to frequent power cuts.

The current power crisis in Ghana highlights the urgent need for the country to address its energy infrastructure and financial challenges. It is crucial for Ghana to invest in renewable energy sources and improve the maintenance of its existing energy infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for its citizens.

Overall, the power crisis in Ghana is a consequence of both technical and economic factors. Addressing these issues will not only alleviate the immediate power shortage but also contribute to the country’s long-term energy sustainability and environmental goals.