Ghana must rethink spending priorities amid recurring blackouts – Kofi Bentil

Ghana's Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged the government to reconsider its spending priorities in light of frequent nationwide power outages. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, Bentil expressed concern over the country's expenditure on demolishing existing markets and constructing new ones, while other critical infrastructure needs remain unaddressed.

He questioned the rationale behind prioritizing such projects over essential services. According to Bentil, Ghana possesses the technical expertise and resources to tackle electricity sector challenges, yet the necessary interventions have not been prioritized. He emphasized that the problems affecting the power sector are well-known, along with their solutions, equipment, and associated costs.

Bentil challenged the government to allocate the required resources to rectify the power system's gaps, warning that prolonged outages could pose serious consequences, especially for critical facilities like the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. He acknowledged that accidents may occur but questioned why repairs and preventive measures are not sustained after such incidents.

Bentil stressed that resolving the power sector's technical challenges is crucial, as reliable electricity is vital for safeguarding lives, supporting businesses, and achieving Ghana's economic ambitions.