Volta residents fed up with power fluctuations and silence from authorities

Volta Region Faces Power Crisis: Residents Demand Action

Residents in the Volta Region are frustrated by ongoing power issues. They face frequent fluctuations and low voltage that disrupt homes, businesses, and essential services. This situation has persisted for months, leading to public anger. Citizens are calling for urgent intervention from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).

The power problems affect everyone, from rural communities to urban centers. Locals report daily inconsistencies that impact household activities and hospital operations. Edem Bansah, a cold store operator in Ho, shared his losses due to power cuts. “My fridges cannot maintain temperature,” he said.

At a community health center in Akatsi, a nurse expressed concern about vaccine storage risks. Students and teachers also struggle with disrupted study schedules due to outages.

In response to these issues, Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu visited ECG’s office in Ho unexpectedly. He criticized the company for its lack of communication regarding the situation. “Our people deserve to know what is going on,” he stated.

Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the regional ECG Manager, explained that low voltage from GRIDCo causes the instability. She assured that ECG is working with GRIDCo on a solution.

Following his visit to ECG, Minister Gunu went to GRIDCo in Akosombo for more information. He urged immediate action to address persistent low voltage and outages affecting residents.

Experts and locals argue explanations are insufficient. Retired engineer Kwesi Torsu emphasized the need for real investment and long-term solutions.

Civil society leaders and business groups are demanding permanent fixes as well. The Volta Chamber of Commerce called the situation “a threat to regional productivity.” Economist Sena Akorli believes this issue should be a national priority.

While some residents turn to generators or solar panels, many cannot afford alternatives. Gloria Agbeko, a hairdresser in Sogakope, expressed her frustration: “It feels like we’ve been forgotten.”

In April 2025, the government began drilling boreholes at Tanyigbe Senior High School under its Water For All Initiative. This project aims to tackle water shortages affecting schools in the region.

Officials state this initiative is part of a broader vision for sustainable infrastructure across Volta Region.