The Deputy Minister for Energy has revealed that he deliberately switched off his personal power generator for a period in order to experience firsthand the challenges many Ghanaians face during power outages.
According to him, the decision was driven by a desire to better understand the real impact of intermittent electricity supply on households and businesses across the country. He explained that living without the backup of a generator offered him a deeper appreciation of the frustrations, discomfort, and economic strain caused by unreliable power.
Speaking in an interview, the Deputy Minister noted that while policymakers often rely on reports and data, there is no substitute for personal experience. He said the exercise exposed him to sleepless nights due to heat, disruption of daily routines, and the inconvenience of having to constantly adjust plans around power availability.
“I took off my generator to feel what ordinary Ghanaians feel,” he stated. “It is one thing to read complaints or receive briefings, but it is another to live through it yourself. It gave me a clearer perspective on why people are so concerned.”
He acknowledged that many small businesses suffer significant losses during outages, especially those that depend heavily on electricity, such as cold store operators, hair salons, and welders. He added that the experience reinforced the urgency of ongoing efforts to stabilize the national power supply.
The Deputy Minister assured the public that the government remains committed to addressing the challenges in the energy sector. He pointed to ongoing maintenance works, investments in infrastructure, and efforts to improve fuel supply to power plants as part of measures aimed at ensuring a more stable electricity supply.
He also emphasized the importance of transparency and communication, noting that keeping citizens informed about power challenges and planned outages can help reduce frustration.
While admitting that the road to achieving a completely stable power supply may take time, he expressed confidence that the steps being implemented will yield positive results. He reiterated that the government is aware of the difficulties faced by citizens and is working diligently to improve the situation.
His comments come at a time when concerns about power reliability continue to dominate public discourse, with many Ghanaians calling for lasting solutions to the recurring problem.
