Ghana’s persistent power outages are resolvable if the government prioritises necessary interventions and allocates sufficient resources. This assertion comes from Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, who stated that solutions to the country's electricity challenges are well-known.
Mr. Bentil explained that Ghana possesses the technical expertise and knowledge required to fix the power sector's problems. He questioned why the nation continues to experience repeated power disruptions when technical solutions are readily available. He emphasised that authorities know the problems, the solutions, the equipment needed, and their costs.
These recurring outages, often termed 'dumsor', significantly hinder economic activity and public services across Ghana. Businesses face increased operational costs due to reliance on generators, impacting productivity and job creation. The instability also undermines investor confidence, slowing economic growth at a time when Ghana aims for a more robust 24-hour economy.
“We know all the problems. We know what the solutions are. We know where to buy the equipment. We know how much they cost,” Mr. Bentil said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 22, 2026. He stressed that leadership must assemble what is necessary to fix these problems, as they are indeed fixable.
The government must urgently identify and close existing gaps within the electricity system. Failure to do so carries severe consequences, as highlighted by a recent power outage near Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Such incidents underscore the critical need for reliable electricity, especially in essential services like healthcare, where lives can be at risk.
Mr. Bentil urged a review of government spending priorities, particularly as Ghana seeks to promote a 24-hour economy. He argued that reliable electricity is fundamental, underpinning economic activity, healthcare delivery, and other essential services. Investing in power infrastructure should take precedence over other projects that might divert attention from urgent needs.
Ghanaian engineers have the capacity to address these challenges if they receive the necessary resources. Physics and electrical engineering are precise sciences, and with the right investment in equipment and expertise, the problems can be overcome. The country cannot afford to treat these outages as unavoidable when solutions and means exist.
The implications are clear: sustained investment in the power sector will boost economic stability and improve public welfare. Decision-makers must respond by reallocating funds to critical infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. This strategic shift would enhance Ghana's economic resilience and support its long-term development goals.