The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has charged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to publish a load-shedding aka dumsor timetable to allow its members to better plan their business activities.
In a statement signed by its Director of Communication, Joseph Paddy, the Association expressed concern over the adverse effects of the frequent power cuts on the economy, highlighting its detrimental impact on productivity.
Despite repeated calls from various quarters, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC), for ECG to release a load-management schedule, there has been no positive response.
GUTA also decried the high operational costs incurred by businesses due to the irregular power supply, necessitating the heavy use of fuel to run generators.
“Moreover, the unpredictable power outages force many shop owners to rely on generators, leading to additional expenses for fuel procurement and storage in anticipation of power disruptions,” remarked a spokesperson for GUTA.
The President of GUTA commended the concept of former President Mahama's proposed 24-hour economy, citing its potential to alleviate the challenges posed by power outages.
“Manufacturers, in particular, are grappling with maintaining production schedules and workforce planning due to the inconsistent power supply, which not only escalates production costs but also exacerbates the living conditions of citizens,” the statement emphasised.
GUTA underscored the widespread impact of dumsor on various sectors, including traders, shop owners, wholesalers, tailors, electricians, artisans, and other businesses reliant on electricity, characterising the situation as untenable for the nation's business community.
Read the GUTA statement below:
Credit: myjoyonline.com