By Enoch 
In a reassuring address to the nation, President John Dramani Mahama has firmly stated that there will be no return to the dreaded era of dumsor (frequent power outages) under his administration. Speaking at the National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana on January 9, 2025, President Mahama emphasized his government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the energy crisis and ensuring a stable power supply for all Ghanaians.
Addressing the Dumsor Crisis
President Mahama acknowledged the critical challenges facing the country’s energy sector, particularly the insufficient fuel supplies for power generation. He assured citizens that his administration is fully committed to addressing these issues head-on. “We are assuming office at a critical time in our nation’s history. Ghana is faced with significant challenges. But that is exactly the reason why you elected us. We will make sure to keep the lights on; there will be no dumsor,” President Mahama stated.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Power Outages
To tackle the dumsor crisis, President Mahama convened an emergency meeting with key stakeholders in the power sector, including representatives from various power generation companies. The meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff, focused on devising strategies to stabilize the country’s power supply and prevent a resurgence of dumsor. The collaborative efforts of the government and stakeholders are aimed at finding immediate solutions to the fuel supply challenges and developing a long-term strategy to prevent future power crises.
Stakeholders have been urged to explore alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, to diversify Ghana’s energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This strategic shift is expected to enhance the country’s energy security and create a more sustainable and resilient power sector, ultimately reducing the risk of dumsor.
Confidence in Human Resources to Overcome It
President Mahama expressed confidence in Ghana’s ability to navigate the looming dumsor crisis, highlighting the country’s strong human resources as a key factor in overcoming the challenges. “I think Ghana has the right human resources to turn things around. We have the expertise and the determination to deal with the situation and turn things around as quickly as possible,” he noted during a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank. This confidence is bolstered by the country’s pool of skilled engineers, technicians, and energy experts who are dedicated to resolving the crisis and ensuring a stable power supply, free from dumsor.
Innovative Solutions to Prevent Dumsor
Despite the challenges, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration is working tirelessly to find innovative solutions to the dumsor crisis. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the issues and urged citizens to remain hopeful and confident in the government’s ability to find sustainable solutions. “We will transparently let you understand what those challenges are and we will take responsibility for solving them,” he stated.
The government is exploring the use of smart grid technology to optimize the distribution of electricity and reduce wastage. Additionally, efforts are being made to attract investments in the energy sector to boost power generation capacity and improve infrastructure, thereby reducing the likelihood of dumsor.
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Public Support
President Mahama called on all Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts in addressing the dumsor crisis. He urged citizens to adopt energy-saving practices and be mindful of their electricity consumption. Public participation in energy conservation initiatives is seen as crucial in alleviating the pressure on the national grid and ensuring a more reliable power supply, free from dumsor.
Community outreach programs are being organized to educate the public on the importance of energy conservation and how they can contribute to the collective effort. By working together, the government and citizens can create a more sustainable and resilient energy system, ultimately preventing dumsor.
Moving Forward to Eradicate Dumsor
As Ghana embarks on this new chapter under President Mahama’s leadership, the government’s commitment to resolving the dumsor crisis and preventing a return to frequent power outages remains steadfast. The collaborative efforts of the government, stakeholders, and the public will be crucial in navigating this challenging period and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for the future.
In all, President Mahama’s assurance that there will be no return to dumsor is a testament to his administration’s dedication to addressing the energy crisis and providing a stable power supply for all Ghanaians. The ongoing efforts to find innovative solutions and the confidence in the country’s human resources are key factors in overcoming the challenges and securing a sustainable energy future for Ghana. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort and determination, Ghana can achieve a brighter and more energy-secure future, free from dumsor.