The Director of Communications for the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Joseph Padi, is sounding a clarion call, forewarning an impending surge in prices of goods and services due to the precarious power supply. In his assessment, the pervasive reliance of businesses on electricity renders them particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of the ongoing power crisis.
Mr. Padi emphasizes that the ripple effects of this instability are far-reaching, affecting the operational costs and the overall economic landscape. He contends that it is not merely a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity for GUTA to advocate for a structured timetable to alleviate the plight of business owners grappling with these challenges.
GUTA, aligning itself with the growing chorus of discontent, has formally petitioned the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for transparency and accountability in managing the power disruptions. Their statement underscores the grave consequences faced by various sectors, from manufacturing to retail, underscoring the situation’s urgency.
Manufacturers find themselves caught in a relentless battle to sustain production amidst the erratic power supply, leading to increased overheads and logistical nightmares. Similarly, traders, artisans, and service providers are bearing the brunt of the “Dumsor phenomenon,” grappling with diminished productivity and heightened operational costs.
In a bid to shed light on the root causes of the crisis, GUTA demands clarity from ECG regarding the underlying issues, mitigation strategies, and a tangible timeline for resolution. Moreover, they advocate for the dissemination of a load-shedding timetable to empower businesses to strategize and adapt in the face of uncertainty.
During a candid discussion on Ahotor 92.3 FM‘s flagship morning show, ‘AdeKyee Mu Nsem,’ hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Padi underscores the dire consequences of the current predicament. He laments the widespread reliance on generators as a makeshift solution, which only exacerbates the financial strain on business owners due to escalating fuel expenses.
Mr. Padi issues a stark warning that failure to address these pressing concerns will inevitably precipitate a surge in prices, further burdening consumers and jeopardizing economic stability. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and concerted efforts must be made to avert the looming crisis before it exacts an irreversible toll on Ghana’s economy and its citizens’ livelihoods.
LISTEN TO JOSEPH PADI IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites) / Ahotoronline.com
