Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-21 06:14:00
The disconnection of power is part of a broader trend of aggressive debt collection efforts by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Since last year, the ECG has been rigorously pursuing outstanding payments, leading to the disconnection of several private and public organizations from the national grid. This development comes after Accra Academy Senior High School was plunged into darkness on Monday, February 19, due to outstanding debts owed to the ECG. The sudden disconnection of power plunged the prominent educational institution into a state of crisis, disrupting academic and residential activities.
Teachers and students alike grappled with the challenges posed by the blackout, with no immediate resolution in sight. However, power has finally been restored to Accra Academy SHS over approximately GH¢500,000 post-paid bills since July 2023. In an interview with Citi News, a teacher from the school, speaking anonymously, expressed profound disappointment at the abrupt disconnection of power, labeling it as the saddest day in his 31-year-long teaching career. He lamented the dire situation, emphasizing that even teachers residing on campus with prepaid meters had their electricity supply severed.
This disconnection of power is part of a broader trend of aggressive debt collection efforts by the ECG, underscoring the challenges faced by the power company in recouping outstanding payments. The ECG has been under pressure to collect debts owed to it, and the disconnection of power to Accra Academy SHS serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unpaid bills.
The disconnection of power highlights the financial strain faced by many educational institutions in Ghana. The inability to pay electricity bills not only disrupts the daily activities of these institutions but also reflects a larger issue of financial mismanagement. The ECG, as a state-owned utility company, relies on bill payments to maintain operational efficiency and continue providing essential services to the public.
The disconnection of power to Accra Academy SHS serves as a cautionary tale for other organizations and institutions that may be struggling to keep up with their electricity bills. It underscores the importance of financial responsibility and the need for proactive measures to address outstanding debts.
Moving forward, it is crucial for all organizations, including educational institutions, to prioritize timely bill payments and fiscal responsibility. By doing so, they can avoid the disruptive and detrimental effects of power disconnection while also ensuring the financial stability and viability of the ECG. Additionally, the government and relevant authorities should work to provide support and guidance to institutions facing financial challenges, helping them to manage their resources effectively and avoid falling into arrears.
The restoration of power to Accra Academy SHS serves as a hopeful resolution to a challenging situation. It is a testament to the significance of settling outstanding debts and the positive impact it can have on the operations of educational institutions and other organizations. As Ghana continues to address its economic and financial challenges, the responsible management of resources and commitment to bill payments will be essential in ensuring the stability and sustainability of essential services, including electricity supply.
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