ACCRA , 3 August 2007 (IRIN) – Ghana is undergoing it worst power crisis since 1998. People here currently have an average of only 12 hours of electricity a day, and, with insufficient rain to keep its hydropower stations functioning, the situation is likely to deteriorate, affecting individual livelihoods and the economy as a whole.
The water level of Lake Volta, the largest man-made lake in West Africa, which normally supplies 60 percent of Ghana’s energy needs, is at an all-time low, 234.96 ft below the critical minimum.
The lack of water in the lake has created a 300 MW power shortfall
Weather forecasters predict drought in all three northern regions of Ghana where the sources of the rivers that feed Lake Volta are located.
“The masses are suffering.” John Atipoe, an electrician and father of four, told IRIN. “The frequent power cuts destroyed my refrigeration system and I had no money to repair it,” said 51-year old Juliet Adjoa Serwah who used to make money selling food and drinks. “Now I have to resort to basket weaving to look after my three kids.”
Source: GhanaWeb
