Energy Expert Calls for Coordinated Action to Address Ghana’s Power Supply Challenges
A Senior Research and Policy Analyst at the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Xatse Derick Emmanuel, has urged government and stakeholders in the power sector to adopt a unified and simultaneous strategy to address Ghana’s recurring electricity supply interruptions, commonly referred to as “dumsor”.
His comments come amid growing public concern over intermittent power outages in parts of the country, with renewed calls for lasting measures to ensure stability of the national grid.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, April 28, Mr Emmanuel explained that the causes of power disruptions are multifaceted, spanning generation, transmission, and distribution. He stressed that this makes it necessary to adopt a comprehensive approach rather than tackling the issues in isolation.
He warned that concentrating efforts on only one part of the electricity supply chain could prolong the challenges and leave the system exposed to repeated disruptions.
“The causes of dumsor are not limited to one area. At times it is generation, other times transmission or distribution,” he noted.
According to him, recent challenges appear to be more closely linked to distribution inefficiencies and constraints within the national grid. However, he cautioned that without adequate planning for generation capacity, long-term stability could remain uncertain.
Mr Emmanuel called for a transition from short-term fixes to strategic, long-term planning and investment, especially in light of increasing demand driven by population growth, urbanisation, and industrial expansion.
“If anything, we must address the challenges at the same time so that Ghanaians are not repeatedly confronted with dumsor,” he said.
He further emphasised that infrastructure development, particularly in transmission and grid upgrades, should not be treated as separate or delayed interventions, given their interdependence within the power system.
He also underscored the importance of sustained investment in electricity generation, noting that expanding capacity requires extensive planning and time to implement.
“You don’t get a megawatt of power in a day. It takes years of planning,” he stated.
Mr Emmanuel additionally highlighted the need to explore long-term energy options, including nuclear power, arguing that diversifying Ghana’s energy sources would be key to strengthening energy security and ensuring reliable electricity supply in the future.
