Ghanaians have bemoaned high costs of electricity in the country and many have expressed disappointment following response from Dr Bawumia explaining the rising Electricity costs in Ghana as he pledges solar power to address the issue.
Ghanaians have expressed concerns about higher electricity bills following the installation of new meters by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Both individuals and businesses report a significant increase in costs, doubling expenditures to maintain power.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun replacing old electricity meters as part of its Loss Reduction Programme (LRP). This initiative aims to install smart meters that provide more accurate readings, address billing discrepancies, and reduce system losses.
The new meters are equipped with advanced features, including anti-tampering mechanisms, to deter illegal connections and minimize electricity theft. According to ECG, the updated system will enhance energy accounting and operational efficiency, benefiting both the company and its customers.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, addressed this issue while campaigning in the Asante Akim South constituency. He attributed the rising costs to the country’s reliance on imported oil and gas for electricity generation. “The high electricity bills are a result of the importation of oil and gas,” he said.
To tackle this, Dr. Bawumia proposed a nationwide shift to solar power, emphasizing Ghana’s abundant sunlight. He announced plans to establish solar farms across all districts, which he claims will cut electricity costs by 50%. “Using solar power is the solution to ending this high electricity cost problem,” he stated.
Bawumia’s initiative underscores his commitment to reducing Ghana’s energy dependence on imports and promoting sustainable solutions for citizens and businesses alike.
Dr Bawumia ‘s Comments About Rising Electricity Costs in Ghana
Our electricity bill has increased, and I want to introduce a policy to take care of that. The bill has increased because we import oil and gas to produce electricity. I thus want us to use solar power to generate electricity,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
The technology exists already, and we have enough sunlight to produce solar power. I will create solar farms in all districts, which will reduce the cost of electricity by 50%, he explained.