The Duamenefa Foundation has called on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to improve its communication with the public by providing timely notice before carrying out planned power outages. The Foundation says advance information will help individuals, businesses, and institutions better prepare and reduce the inconvenience caused by unexpected interruptions in electricity supply.
The appeal was made by the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, during the Foundation’s social intervention programme aired on Fafaa 100.3 FM.
He made the remarks after an unexpected power outage interrupted the live broadcast of the programme, forcing the station off-air temporarily before transmission was restored using a generator. Mr. Ketaman, while apologising to listeners for the disruption, described the incident as part of a recurring challenge affecting both media houses and the general public.
He expressed concern over what he described as the lack of prior notice from ECG before power interruptions, questioning why the public is often left uninformed ahead of such outages. According to him, advance communication would help reduce inconvenience and enable households, businesses, and institutions to make proper arrangements.
Mr. Ketaman further acknowledged government efforts in the energy sector, noting that significant improvements have been made and should be appreciated. However, he stressed that in cases where power outages are necessary, proper public education and prior notice should be given to avoid damage to electrical appliances and disruption of daily activities.
He added that sudden power cuts not only affect households but also create operational challenges for businesses, media houses, and essential services that rely heavily on stable electricity supply.
Mr. Ketaman also cautioned that public service delivery should always prioritise the wellbeing of citizens, stressing that no one should act in a way that causes avoidable harm to the public. He added that all procedures must be carried out appropriately to benefit everyone.
He further noted that there are many radio stations across the country, and ECG can make effective use of them to inform the public ahead of planned outages. According to him, such platforms remain one of the fastest and most reliable means of reaching communities with important announcements.
The Foundation further emphasized that consistent public notice systems are not only a matter of convenience but also a matter of safety, particularly in cases where sudden power interruptions can affect medical facilities, small-scale industries, and water supply systems that depend on electricity to function. It noted that better coordination between service providers and the public can significantly reduce avoidable risks.
Mr. Ketaman also observed that many citizens have, over time, raised similar concerns regarding sudden outages and their impact on sensitive electronic equipment, which often leads to financial losses for households and businesses. He suggested that structured communication protocols could help build public trust and reduce complaints directed at utility providers.
Additionally, the Foundation encouraged ECG and other utility service providers to strengthen their customer engagement strategies by leveraging not only radio stations but also digital platforms and community information centres. It said such multi-channel communication would ensure that even people in remote areas receive timely updates on planned service interruptions.
Mr. Ketaman further called on government authorities to strengthen supervision and monitoring within utility institutions to ensure efficiency and accountability in service delivery. He stressed that where operational gaps are identified, corrective measures should be taken to improve performance and enhance public confidence in service providers.
He reiterated that public service delivery must always prioritize citizen’s welfare, adding that frustration arises when systems fail to communicate or operate effectively. According to him, continuous oversight and improvement in internal operations are key to ensuring reliable services.
The Duamenefa Foundation, through its Executive President, reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for effective public communication systems that promote transparency, reduce public frustration, and strengthen cooperation between service providers and communities.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze