Renowned social commentator, Ellen Ama Daaku, has taken a swipe at the Ghanaian government, asserting, “You could not keep the lights on for 24 hours but you want to run a 24-hour economy.” Daaku’s pointed critique comes in the wake of persistent power outages, commonly known as ‘dumsor,’ which have plagued the nation, raising concerns about its readiness to transition to a 24-hour economy.
Daaku’s remark resonates with the frustrations of many citizens who have endured frequent and prolonged periods of electricity disruptions, impacting businesses, households, and essential services. The comment underscores the apparent dissonance between the government’s economic aspirations and the challenges faced by the public in accessing consistent and reliable power.
The issue of ‘dumsor’ has been a longstanding concern, and Daaku’s words serve as a stark reminder of the practical obstacles that need to be overcome for the vision of a 24-hour economy to materialize. Critics argue that sustained power outages undermine the potential gains of a round-the-clock economic model, affecting productivity, investment, and overall economic growth.
Government officials have acknowledged the power challenges, attributing them to a variety of factors, including infrastructure limitations and supply chain issues. Plans for improving the energy sector have been outlined, but the urgency to address the immediate impact on citizens and businesses remains a pressing concern.
As Ghana grapples with these power-related challenges, the commentary by Ellen Ama Daaku has ignited a renewed conversation on the feasibility of transitioning to a 24-hour economy amid the current energy landscape. The government’s response and actions in addressing ‘dumsor’ will likely shape public perceptions and determine the success of its broader economic ambitions.
story filed by: Nana kwaku Duah
