Ghanaian Stars Lead Protest Against Power Crisis: A Call for Change
Ghanaian stars lead a powerful protest against the ongoing power crisis, calling for immediate change and solutions.
Ghanaian celebrities, including movie stars Yvonne Nelson and John Dumelo, led a significant protest on Saturday to address the ongoing power crisis that has been severely affecting businesses and households across the country. This demonstration, titled “#DumsorMustStop,” highlighted the frustration of many Ghanaians over the erratic power supply, known locally as “dumsor.”
The protest saw a turnout of notable figures, including the Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Xavier Sosu, comedian DKB, and several other public personalities. The demonstrators assembled at the University of Ghana’s main entrance and marched to the Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout, a symbolic journey underscoring their dissatisfaction with the current power situation.
Dressed in black and red to symbolize their discontent, the protesters carried a variety of placards with messages such as “No light, no progress,” “From mate to driver? Show us the light first,” “Your track record is dim,” and “Youth of Ghana demand better leadership, end dumsor.” These signs conveyed the urgent need for consistent electricity, which is critical for both daily living and economic stability. Some protesters even carried kerosene lanterns and other light sources to emphasize the inconvenience caused by power outages.
Yvonne Nelson has been a vocal advocate against the power issues in Ghana, having initiated the call for this massive campaign several months prior. Her activism on this issue dates back to 2015 when she organized a similar protest alongside other celebrities to demand more reliable power.
The protest faced initial resistance from the police, who raised concerns about the proposed venue and timing. The police argued that Revolution Square, the originally proposed protest location, was a security-sensitive area, and extending the protest into the night could potentially lead to disorder. After weeks of discussions, a compromise was reached: the protest would start at the University of Ghana and end at Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout. This agreement allowed the demonstration to proceed peacefully while addressing the security concerns raised by the authorities.
At the heart of the protest was a petition addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, outlining the critical areas affected by the power crisis and demanding immediate and long-term solutions. The petition highlighted several key issues:
**Healthcare**: The unreliable power supply is putting hospitals under immense strain, particularly during critical procedures like childbirth. The power outages endanger the lives of mothers and newborns and compromise the overall healthcare system.
**Business Impact**: Entrepreneurs and businesses, from small vendors to large enterprises, are suffering due to the inconsistent power supply. This situation leads to financial losses, layoffs, and even business closures, hampering the country’s economic growth.
The petition called on the President and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy, to prioritize resolving the power crisis with the urgency it deserves. It outlined several actionable steps:
 **Immediate Measures**: Implement short-term strategies to alleviate the current power shortages and provide immediate relief to affected areas.
**Long-term Solutions**: Develop and communicate a comprehensive plan to upgrade and expand Ghana’s power infrastructure. This plan should incorporate sustainable energy sources to prevent future occurrences of dumsor.
**Accountability**: Ensure transparency in the management of energy resources and hold those responsible for inefficiencies accountable.
The protesters emphasized that Ghana has the potential to be a leader in progress and development in Africa. However, achieving this potential is impossible if the country continues to struggle with power crises. The petition expressed confidence that with decisive action and commitment, Ghana can overcome this challenge and build a brighter future for its citizens.
The #DumsorMustStop protest underscored the collective frustration of Ghanaians over the persistent power issues and highlighted the need for immediate and long-term solutions. By bringing together celebrities, politicians, and everyday citizens, the protest sent a powerful message to the government: the people of Ghana demand reliable power and better leadership. The call to action is clear, and the nation looks forward to prompt and effective responses from its leaders.
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Source: Myjoyonline
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