GUTA requests ‘dumsor’ schedule to help plan our business operations

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has added its voice to the growing calls for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to release a load-shedding timetable to help businesses plan effectively amidst the ongoing power outages.

In a statement issued on Thursday, GUTA expressed concern over the negative impact of the erratic power supply, commonly known as “dumsor,” on the economy. The association highlighted how the inconsistency in power supply has affected productivity across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, and industry.

Manufacturers, in particular, are facing challenges in maintaining production schedules and planning for their workers due to the unpredictable power outages. This has not only added to the cost of production but has also worsened the living conditions of the people.

Furthermore, GUTA lamented the high cost of doing business as a result of the unreliable power supply, forcing business owners to rely on expensive fuel to power their operations. The use of generators has become a common practice among shop owners and other businesses, further increasing operational costs.

The association emphasized that the “Dumsor” phenomenon has created unbearable conditions for businesses in the country, affecting a wide range of traders, artisans, and service providers who rely on electricity for their daily operations.

Despite calls from various stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations and the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, ECG has yet to provide a clear load-shedding schedule. GUTA urged the power utility company to prioritize the release of a timetable to help businesses mitigate the impact of the ongoing power outages.