The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is calling on the government to explore alternative energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on hydro and thermal power.
According to the President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, this move would not only make the energy mix more reliable and affordable but also boost business growth, trade activities, and overall economic stability.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Obeng emphasized the need to integrate solar energy into the national grid to address the ongoing power outages that are affecting businesses. He pointed out that the current dependency on hydro and thermal power is unsustainable and highlighted the benefits of transitioning to solar energy.
Dr. Obeng reiterated the importance of clear policies to support the adoption of alternative energy sources, such as solar power, and urged the government to compensate individuals and businesses willing to invest in these solutions. He also expressed concerns about the negative impact of power outages on digital trade, noting that the recent power cuts have hindered business activities.
The recent power outages have been attributed to a lack of funding, with a financing gap of US$1.9 billion and a revenue shortfall for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The situation has underscored the urgent need for a diversified energy mix that includes renewable sources like solar power.
As businesses continue to grapple with the effects of the economic crisis, GUTA is calling for swift action to address the power challenges and ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the country
