Hundreds of Ghanaians demonstrated in the capital Accra on Saturday against power cuts that are affecting businesses and daily life in the West African country.
“No light, no customers. How are we supposed to make a living? asked Kwame Danso, a local hairdresser, holding up a sign that read: “Stop the power cuts, save our jobs.”
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The protesters, holding kerosene-powered lanterns to symbolize their plight, and supported by local celebrities, called on the government to stabilize electricity supplies.
Although it is one of the most advanced African countries in the electrification of its territory, Ghana suffers from chronic shortages and struggles to raise its production capacities to meet growing demand.
Under the slogan #DumsorMustStop (“dumsor” meaning power cuts), the demonstration was organized by Ghanaian actress and producer Yvonne Nelson.
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“These unexpected power cuts are killing our business. We need stable electricity to prosper,” Ghanaian comedian DKB told AFP.
Protesters blame the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for the cuts.
“NPP, you have let down the youth”, “No light, no progress” or “Electricity is a right, not a privilege”, could we read on signs brandished in the demonstration.
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Electricity has become a major campaign issue in this gold and oil-rich country in the run-up to elections scheduled for December.
By Le360 Africa (with AFP)
06/09/2024 at 7:44 a.m.
