Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has strongly criticized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over ongoing power outages and low voltage issues that continue to disrupt communities and businesses across the region.
In a passionate statement, the Minister described ECG’s performance as a “complete disappointment,” calling for immediate transparency, improved communication, and greater accountability from the utility provider.
“Whatever the challenges are, let us know. There must be communication—regular communication—with the people,” Gunu emphasized. He stressed the importance of providing advance notice for planned outages, noting that unannounced power cuts have led to significant damage to appliances such as refrigerators.
His remarks echo the growing frustration among residents and business owners who are facing mounting financial losses due to the unreliable and unpredictable power supply.
“You are disappointing the people of this region. What crime have we committed?” Gunu asked, urging ECG and other responsible institutions to rebuild trust and enhance service delivery.
In response, ECG’s Volta Regional Manager, Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, acknowledged the difficulties but attributed many of the problems to constraints within the national transmission system managed by GRIDCo, ECG’s upstream supplier.
“If what they give us is already low, by the time it reaches you, it’s insufficient,” she explained. Jatoe-Kaleo assured the public that ECG is actively engaging GRIDCo to resolve the crisis, although some issues remain outside ECG’s control.
She clarified the distinction between planned outages—which ECG is legally mandated to announce—and unplanned interruptions caused by technical faults, especially during nighttime hours. According to her, ECG’s technical teams are on standby 24/7 to detect and address faults swiftly.
“We always inform the media and local assemblies about planned outages,” she said, adding that the company is also working to enhance internal technical capacity. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among ECG, GRIDCo, and government bodies to develop sustainable solutions.
Despite these explanations, Minister Gunu expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of tangible progress. “We’ve written to you, but I know the usual excuse — that the letter wasn’t received. That’s why I’ve come in person. Today, I am the letter,” he declared.
Further fueling public concern are reports alleging that over a thousand containers of imported ECG equipment and supplies have gone missing at the Tema Port, casting a shadow over the company’s operations and intensifying calls for reform.
As frustration builds, citizens and leaders alike are demanding urgent action to restore reliable electricity, safeguard livelihoods, and bring transparency back to Ghana’s power sector.
About the author
Enough is enough – V/R Minister slams ECG over persistent power outages
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has strongly criticized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over ongoing power outages and low voltage issues that continue to disrupt communities and businesses across the region. In a passionate statement, the Minister described ECG’s performance as a “complete disappointment,” calling for immediate transparency, improved communication, and greater accountability from the utility provider. “Whatever the challenges are, let us know. There must be communication—regular communication—with the people,” Gunu emphasized. He stressed the importance of providing advance notice for planned outages, noting that unannounced power cuts have led to significant damage to appliances such as refrigerators. His remarks echo the growing frustration among residents and business owners who are facing mounting financial losses due to the unreliable and unpredictable power supply. “You are disappointing the people of this region. What crime have we committed?” Gunu asked, […]
Why soccer might be Sweden’s way out of a gang crime crisis
Every Saturday night, deep in the heart of Gottsunda—a suburb on the outskirts of Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city—an unusual kind of football match takes place. Organized by Robert Wirehag, a local pastor and former youth player for Swedish club IK Sirius, these weekly games are more than just sport. They’re an intervention. Uppsala, known historically as a calm university town located about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Stockholm, seems worlds apart from the energy in Gottsunda after dark. Here, instead of students and scholars, the streets are filled with boys aged 12 to 17. And according to Wirehag, they all have one thing in common: they’re potential gang recruits. “Why? Because they live in a specific suburb in the outer part of the city,” Wirehag explains. “All of them are at risk. Some are already involved in gangs, others are […]
Constitution Review Committee receives over 500 proposals from stakeholders
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), composed of legal and governance experts, is tasked with identifying critical sections of Ghana’s Constitution that require revision to align with the nation’s current democratic and socio-economic realities. As part of its mandate, the CRC is reviewing past recommendations, assessing necessary reforms, and outlining a clear roadmap for implementing effective constitutional amendments.According to Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Committee has received written submissions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include notable institutions such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), former officials of the Electoral Commission, and various NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, with expertise in natural resource governance.From academia, distinguished scholars such as Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga, and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of the University of Ghana have also contributed proposals to support the review process. […]
MTN MoMo denies system breach in viral GH¢11,000 fraud claim, cites customer negligence
A viral TikTok video posted on April 12 has reignited concerns over digital fraud in Ghana after a distressed MTN customer claimed she lost GH₵11,000 from her mobile money account without authorization. The emotional testimony has sparked widespread attention online and raised critical questions about the security of mobile money transactions in the country. Viral TikTok Testimony: “Are We Safe?” In the video, the woman, visibly shaken, recounted the shocking moment she discovered her funds had vanished. “MTN Ghana, I was just lying here when I realized someone had withdrawn GH¢11,000 from my mobile money account. Nobody contacted me, no one asked for any transaction ID or my mobile money PIN—so how is this possible?” she asked. She also expressed deep dissatisfaction with MTN’s customer service, stating that she was told to wait 15 working days for a resolution after […]
Ghana Secures $370 million from IMF despite setbacks in economic programme
Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a crucial staff-level agreement on the fourth review of the country’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), following a two-week mission in Accra led by IMF Mission Chief Stéphane Roudet. The agreement comes despite notable policy slippages ahead of the 2024 general elections and signs of economic strain in key sectors. In a statement released on April 15, Roudet confirmed: “IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Ghana’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement. Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 267.5 million (approximately US$370 million), bringing the total disbursed support under the program to about US$2.355 billion since May 2023.” Stronger Growth Amidst Economic Headwinds Ghana's economy showed unexpected strength in […]
Manchester United Collapse Against Newcastle: Neville Slams Squad Quality and Recruitment Strategy
Manchester United’s nightmare season continued with a dismal second-half collapse at St James’ Park, where they slumped to their 14th Premier League defeat. Despite Alejandro Garnacho briefly leveling the score after Sandro Tonali’s opener, Harvey Barnes struck twice to put Newcastle back in control before Bruno Guimarães added a late fourth. The 4-1 defeat leaves United languishing in 14th place, just three points above the relegation zone, and on course for their lowest ever Premier League points total. Gary Neville, speaking on NBC Sports, delivered a scathing assessment of the current United squad, acknowledging the effort of the players but condemning their lack of quality. “There’s no shortage of effort,” he said. “But they’re so far below the standard required at Manchester United. All over the pitch, it’s just not good enough.” Neville highlighted the alarming state of the squad, […]
Related
Constitution Review Committee receives over 500 proposals from stakeholders
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), composed of legal and governance experts, is tasked with identifying critical sections of Ghana’s Constitution that require revision to align with the nation’s current democratic and socio-economic realities. As part of its mandate, the CRC is reviewing past recommendations, assessing necessary reforms, and outlining a clear roadmap for implementing effective constitutional amendments.According to Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Committee has received written submissions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include notable institutions such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), former officials of the Electoral Commission, and various NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, with expertise in natural resource governance.From academia, distinguished scholars such as Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga, and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of the University of Ghana have also contributed proposals to support the review process. […]
Blossom Academy receives support to train Ghanaian youth in Data Analytics
Blossom Academy, a leading force in digital education, has received a major boost through a grant from the Internet Society Foundation under its Strengthening Communities, Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) programme. This funding will enhance the Academy’s Data Analytics Programme, designed to empower 150 underemployed youth—50% of whom are women—with globally competitive digital skills, paving the way for meaningful careers in the tech industry. Jeph Acheampong, Director of Blossom Academy, emphasized the wider impact of this initiative, stating, “With the support of the Internet Society Foundation, we’re not just transforming individual lives; we’re shaping Ghana’s digital future.” He noted that beyond upskilling, the programme contributes significantly to economic development by equipping graduates to support and grow institutions and businesses nationwide. The Internet Society Foundation commended Blossom Academy for its innovative, inclusive, and impact-driven approach—particularly its adaptive learning model, focus on […]
Volta Region Road Project Begins: Mahama Fulfills Key Promise to Ease Traffic and Boost Development
The Roads Minister, Kwame Agbodza, announced during a visit in March 2025 that the road design is ready and construction will soon begin. This road project is one of President John Dramani Mahama’s key promises to the people of the Volta Region — a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress during the 2024 elections. Five earth-moving machines have already started clearing the bushes along the planned route, marking the beginning of work on this much-awaited road. Once completed, the road will help reduce traffic through the city center by diverting vehicles traveling from Accra to Aflao. The road will run from the Sokode Etoe Roundabout and pass through UHAS, Mirage, Ho Technical University, Power House, and Dave, eventually joining Its also reports that a roundabout will be built at the Mirage intersection to improve traffic flow. Although work began under […]
Multi-party democracy has done nothing for this country – Prof Akosa
Speaking at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Public Lecture Series on April 11, Prof Akosa said, “I believe sincerely, and I will say it here today, that multi-party democracy has done nothing for this country.” Prof Akosa argued that beneath this veneer of democratic progress lies a deeply unequal system in which only a select few benefit. “Since 1992, the only beneficiaries of the system are the political class. The professional class, the working class, the underclass all have been totally marginalised,” he said. “It’s as if you live in this country, your sense is not respected,” he added According to the former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, such a situation cannot lead to sustainable national development. Prof Akosa further called for a radical shift in how Ghana utilises its human capital. “We must be prepared to harvest […]
Tema-Aflao Road Construction Resumes After 15-Month Pause
Work on the Tema-Aflao road project has officially resumed after a 15-month halt, following reassurances from the Ghanaian government regarding funding. The project, which had been suspended in December 2022 due to Ghana's broader debt restructuring efforts, was given new life after President John Dramani Mahama and relevant government officials promised to unlock the necessary financial resources.The road, which stretches 17 kilometers from the Tema Roundabout to Miotso, is a critical part of Ghana's eastern corridor transport network. The project includes the construction of modern drainage systems, pedestrian bridges, and high-mast lighting, all aimed at improving road safety and accessibility.The project, initially funded through a $105 million loan from the United Kingdom, is expected to be completed within 18 months, with contractors optimistic about meeting the revised timeline.This project is crucial for reducing congestion on the busy corridor and enhancing […]
Keta Police Intercept Smuggling Attempt, Three Arrested for Drug Trafficking
In a significant drug bust, the Keta Divisional Police Command in the Volta Region arrested three suspects on February 24, 2025, for allegedly smuggling hard drugs from Togo to Accra. The trio was apprehended at a police checkpoint on the Accra-Aflao road, aboard an STC bus with registration number GG 1736-19.The drugs, identified as 'Taramaking,' were later confirmed to be unregistered and exceeded the legal threshold set by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Gorden Akurugu, Head of the FDA’s Volta Region Office, revealed that the seizure amounted to 120 milligrams of the contraband, valued at approximately GH¢1.4 million. Akurugu warned that if the drugs had entered the market, they could have caused severe public health issues due to their potential for abuse.The suspects' actions violated regulations prohibiting the transport of such substances through inland borders, with exceptions only for […]
Be the first to leave a comment