Power Outages in Weija-Gbawe: Residents Demand Urgent Action from ECG
Weija-Gbawe, a fast-growing urban area in the Greater Accra Region, has been plagued by persistent power outages in recent weeks, leading to widespread frustration among residents and business owners. The inconsistent electricity supply has not only disrupted daily life but has also sparked a wave of public outcry directed at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The affected communities, including Weija, New Gbawe, Mallam, and surrounding areas, have experienced irregular power cuts ranging from a few hours to days without prior notice. These blackouts have impacted everything from household chores to business operations, pushing many to the edge.
ECG Under Fire as Blackouts Continue
Residents are demanding urgent intervention from ECG to stabilize the power supply in the area. Several groups have organized peaceful protests, holding placards and calling for accountability. According to them, the blackouts have gone beyond mere inconvenience—they are affecting livelihoods, education, and even health services.
Local businesses, especially small-scale enterprises such as cold stores, salons, internet cafes, and food vendors, have reported significant losses. “Every time the lights go off without warning, I lose customers and products. I can't afford a generator, and even if I could, the cost of fuel is too high,” said a cold store operator in Mallam.
Parents have also raised concerns about how the outages are affecting their children's education. “My children are preparing for exams, and we can't even get consistent power for them to study at night,” said a resident of New Gbawe.
ECG Responds, but Residents Unconvinced
In response to the growing backlash, ECG has attributed the power outages to technical faults and ongoing maintenance work on some of its feeders in the area. The company has assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the issues and restore stable electricity supply.
However, many residents believe these explanations are insufficient. They are demanding a clear and transparent timetable for load shedding, if necessary, and real-time updates to help them plan their lives. “We deserve to know when the lights will go off and come back. The uncertainty is the worst part,” a frustrated resident noted.
The Bigger Picture
This situation highlights a broader issue of power reliability in parts of Ghana. While ECG continues to modernize its systems and invest in infrastructure, the gap between supply and demand, coupled with aging equipment, poses ongoing challenges.
Weija-Gbawe’s rapid population growth and urban development have likely increased the strain on the existing power infrastructure. As the area continues to expand, there is an urgent need for ECG and other stakeholders to revisit their strategies for power distribution and management.
Conclusion
The residents of Weija-Gbawe have made their voices heard, and the ball is now in ECG’s court. Sustainable and consistent electricity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for growth, education, and quality of life. If ECG fails to act swiftly, the pressure will only mount.
Tags: power outage in Ghana, Weija-Gbawe blackout, ECG Ghana, electricity crisis Ghana, load shedding Ghana, Accra power issues, ECG updates
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