It is impossible to end ‘dumsor’ next week

The Communications Minister Dr Omane Boamah says it is impossible for the current load shedding to end by next week.

His comment is a palpable contradiction of an assurance by the Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor that given the measures put in place dumsor will end by next week.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues programme, the sector Minister who has promised to resign if Dumsor persist by end of December said:

“Barring any unforeseen circumstance, from next week, consumers will begin to feel the easing of the load shedding and by Christmas, but again, subject to any unforeseen circumstances, load shedding should be at the barest minimum if it exist at all.

“It may not exist as at Christmas or as at the end of the month. But the caveat is that, for example if the SPO trips, we’ll have a challenge for the short period that we will have to bring it back.”

But speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme, the last edition for the year, the Communications Minister says it is impossible for dumsor to end by next week.

Answering a question from the former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie about whether the Power Minister’s assurance should be taken seriously, the Communications Minister said per the arrangement in place it is impossible for dumsor to end by next week.

Deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor

The Deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor who was also on the programme carried live at the Coconut Groove Hotel, says the ministry is working around the clock to ensure that there is regular power supply during the Christmas period.

“We are determined to ensure that we have a very good Christmas and we are likely not to have load shedding.”

Mr Jinapor however noted that it will depend on the load that is available during Christmas but was hopeful that since most industries will be on break during the period, the demand for power will be low as compared to normal days.

He indicated that the Karpower has begun supplying some power into the system and with the smooth flow of gas from Nigeria, there should be enough power for the festivities.

The Deputy Minister indicated that not only is government working to provide power during Christmas but “we are working around the clock to continue to provide power in a reliable and sustainable manner”.

“We will continue to bridge the gap and lower the load shedding until eventually we move out of load shedding. We are determined to ensure that we fix this problem in a comprehensive manner, not only making power available but making it available at a relatively cheaper cost, ensure that the power is sustainable and reliable”, he said.