A few weeks ago, this paper used this column to highlight the gravity of the disruption caused by the fire outbreak at the Akosombo substation of GRIDCo, an incident that plunged large parts of the country into darkness and reignited fears of a return to ‘dumsor.’ At the time, we did not mince words about the structural weaknesses exposed by the crisis. Today, however, it is both necessary and appropriate to acknowledge the significant progress that has since been made.
The efforts by engineers and technical teams from GRIDCo and VRA, working under immense pressure, have led to a steady restoration of power across many parts of the country. Generation units have been brought back online, stability is gradually returning to the grid, and the worst fears of a prolonged nationwide outage have, at least for now, been averted. This level of responsiveness deserves commendation.
Equally, the government’s emergency interventions, though not without their challenges, have demonstrated a sense of urgency that the situation demanded. The coordination between institutions, the visible presence of technical teams on the ground and the continuous work to stabilise supply all point to a system that, when tested, is capable of responding.
For this, we say well done. But even as we commend these efforts, it is important to emphasise that the task is not yet complete. For many people, power supply remains inconsistent and the full restoration of stable electricity across the country must remain the immediate priority. Progress is meaningful, but completion is what ultimately matters. The country cannot afford a situation where ‘almost fixed’ becomes the new normal.
This episode should also serve as a reminder not just of the sector’s vulnerabilities, but of its potential when the right attention and urgency are applied. The same commitment that has been shown in responding to this crisis must now be redirected toward preventing the next one. Investments in infrastructure, timely maintenance, and forward-looking planning are no longer optional; they are essential.
It is within this broader discussion that we take note of suggestions by a lawyer, George Agyekum, who has recommended that engineers and technicians involved in the restoration efforts should receive special financial rewards or honoraria.
While the sentiment behind this call may be understandable, particularly given the visible sacrifices made by technical teams, we believe caution must be exercised.
The work carried out by these engineers, commendable as it is, falls squarely within their professional mandate. These are skilled individuals employed to manage and maintain, and when necessary restore the nation’s power systems. Their response to this crisis reflects competence and dedication, qualities that should be expected and sustained across the public sector.
This is not to diminish their efforts, far from it. Ghana owes much of its current stability to their expertise and commitment. However, turning such performance into a basis for additional financial rewards risks setting a precedent where public duty is seen as exceptional, rather than expected.
Recognition, in our view, should take forms that strengthen the system as a whole, better tools, improved working conditions, continuous training and sustained investment in the institutions they serve. These are the measures that will ensure not just momentary success, but long-term resilience.
The argument that foreign consultants might have cost the country more only underscores the importance of building and trusting local capacity, not necessarily rewarding it on a case-by-case basis.
Ultimately, this moment should be one of cautious optimism. Ghana has demonstrated that it can respond effectively to crisis when it must. The challenge now is to carry that same energy into long-term reform.
We commend the progress made so far. We applaud the dedication of those on the front lines. But above all, we urge those in charge to finish what has been started, restore power fully, stabilise the system completely and ensure that the lessons from this episode are not forgotten.
Because in the end, the true measure of success will not be how well we responded to this crisis, but whether we prevent the next one.
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