Ghana Faces Three Weeks of ‘Dumsor’ Due to Nigerian Gas Supply Disruption
The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have announced an impending period of ‘Dumsor,’ which is a term commonly used in Ghana to describe persistent, unpredictable power outages. This situation is expected to last for three weeks and is attributed to a significant reduction in gas supply from Nigeria.
The gas supply disruption is due to maintenance activities currently being undertaken by the Nigerian gas supplier. This maintenance work is critical for ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the gas infrastructure but unfortunately results in short-term supply challenges. The reduced gas flow directly impacts Ghana’s power generation capabilities, as a significant portion of the country’s electricity generation relies on gas-powered plants.
During this period, Ghanaians can expect intermittent power cuts, and both GRIDCo and ECG are likely to implement a load-shedding schedule to manage the reduced power supply efficiently. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges and interdependencies in West Africa’s energy sector, emphasizing the need for robust, diversified energy sources and regional cooperation to mitigate such disruptions in the future.
In response to this announcement, residents and businesses in Ghana are advised to prepare for the upcoming power outages by making necessary arrangements to minimize the impact on daily activities and operations. Authorities are also expected to provide updates and guidelines to help manage the situation effectively during the maintenance period.