The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a government-operated power provider, took action on Thursday by temporarily disconnecting electricity to the parliamentary complex, seeking payment for an outstanding debt of 23 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $1.8 million).
Local news outlets captured the moment lawmakers were plunged into darkness within the parliamentary chamber, prompting them to chant “dumsor, dumsor,” meaning blackout in Twi, the local language.
William Boateng, the communications director of ECG, told Reuters that the decision to disconnect power was made after the legislature failed to respond to notices demanding payment.
This move highlights the ongoing challenges in Ghana’s power industry, with significant unpaid bills leading to increased electricity outages amid tensions between the government and power generation companies.
Boateng explained that disconnecting the parliament’s power supply is a standard tactic to encourage customers with outstanding bills to settle their debts.
