Petty traders and business owners in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region are voicing their concerns about the detrimental impact of ongoing power outages on their livelihoods.
According to reports from residents shared with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), many have suffered significant losses in their businesses due to frequent power disruptions in the area.
Mabel Nyekor, who operates a cold store, revealed to GNA that she incurred losses of GH¢3,600 in perishable goods due to extended periods of power outage within a week. She lamented the additional challenge posed by these outages on already-struggling businesses.
Similarly, hairdresser Tandzi Grace echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges of serving clients effectively amidst power cuts.
The issue extends beyond the South Tongu District, affecting neighboring areas like Central and North Tongu. Wisdom Nyamordey, a bar operator in North Tongu, shared that dwindling patronage is a direct result of the power cut crisis.
Residents are appealing to the government to address the underlying causes of these outages and implement sustainable solutions to mitigate their impact on businesses.
Further investigation by GNA revealed that some local entrepreneurs are demonstrating resilience by investing in backup power sources, with around thirty percent in the three Tongu districts taking proactive measures to minimize losses until a resolution is reached as they await swift intervention from the government.