From Stress to Illness: The Human Cost of Electricity Instability

There is no denying the fact that our country has been grappling with a chronic issue that not only undermines its economic progress but also poses significant health risks to its population-the escalating frequency of power outages. These outages are not merely inconveniences. They represent a critical bottleneck to business operations, slashing profit margins, elevating stress levels among workers, and, alarmingly, contributing to an uptick in malaria rates. The situation calls for immediate government intervention to implement sustainable solutions, safeguard economic stability, and protect public health.

Economic Consequences of Power Outages

The recurrent power outages have profound implications for businesses, from small enterprises to large industries. Frequent interruptions in electricity supply disrupt production processes, lead to spoilage of perishable goods, and inflate operational costs as businesses are forced to resort to expensive alternative power sources like generators. The cumulative effect is a significant reduction in profit margins, which, for many businesses, threatens their very survival.

Moreover, the uncertainty associated with power availability undermines investor confidence, both domestic and international. This hesitation can stifle economic growth, as potential investments are either deferred or diverted to countries with more reliable power infrastructures. For a country aiming to enhance its position as a competitive economy in the global arena, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Health Implications: Beyond the Economic Lens

The health implications of the persistent power outages extend beyond the economic sphere, affecting various facets of public health. While the increase in stress levels among the workforce and the surge in malaria rates are immediate concerns, the crisis also has broader and more insidious health effects that deserve attention.

• Access to Clean Water: Frequent electricity disruptions impact water treatment and distribution facilities, compromising access to clean water. This situation can lead to a rise in waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea, particularly in urban areas where populations depend heavily on electrically powered water systems. Ensuring access to clean and safe water is fundamental to public health, making the stability of power supply a critical concern.
• Healthcare Services Disruption: Power outages severely disrupt healthcare services, affecting the storage of vaccines, operation of medical equipment, and provision of emergency services. In hospitals and clinics, reliable electricity is vital for refrigerating medicines, running diagnostic machines, and performing surgeries. Interruptions can compromise patient care, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. The health sector’s vulnerability underscores the urgent need for reliable power solutions, including backup systems for critical healthcare facilities.
• Environmental Health Risks: The reliance on alternative power sources like diesel generators contributes to air pollution, posing additional environmental health risks. The emissions from these generators increase the concentration of airborne pollutants, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Furthermore, the noise pollution generated by constant generator use impacts mental well-being and can lead to hearing impairments over time.
• Food Safety Concerns: Power outages also jeopardize food safety. The lack of refrigeration can lead to the spoilage of perishable foods, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. For businesses involved in food processing and retail, this can result in significant economic losses and public health challenges. Households face the dual burden of wasted resources and potential exposure to contaminated food, highlighting the need for a stable power supply in safeguarding food security and public health.
• Mitigating the Expanded Health Risks: To mitigate these expanded health risks, it is imperative for interventions to include the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that hospitals and clinics have access to uninterrupted power supply, either through grid improvements or the provision of renewable energy solutions such as solar power systems. Investment in water treatment facilities to ensure they are equipped with reliable backup power sources is also crucial.

A Path Forward

Addressing the power crisis requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both immediate interventions and long-term strategies. Firstly, there is an urgent need for the government to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of existing power infrastructure to reduce the incidence of technical failures that lead to outages.

Secondly, diversifying Ghana’s energy portfolio through the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can provide more reliable and sustainable electricity. These sources not only mitigate the risk of outages but also reduce the country’s carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Furthermore, implementing energy efficiency measures across all sectors can significantly reduce the overall demand for electricity, thereby alleviating pressure on the power grid. Encouraging energy conservation practices among consumers and businesses, along with the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and equipment, are critical steps in this direction.

Public-private partnerships should be fostered to accelerate the development of the energy sector. By leveraging private sector innovation and efficiency, alongside public sector resources and regulatory support, Ghana can build a robust energy infrastructure that supports sustainable economic growth.

A Call for Collective Action

The power crisis in Ghana is a pressing issue that demands immediate and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. The government must lead the way by implementing policy reforms, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaborations that harness both local and international expertise. However, the private sector, civil society, and the Ghanaian populace also have pivotal roles to play in advocating for and adopting practices that contribute to a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy future.

As Ghana navigates this challenging period, the resolve and ingenuity of its people and leaders will be critical in overcoming the current adversities. By addressing the economic and health ramifications of the power crisis with thoughtful, sustainable solutions, the country can emerge stronger, more resilient, and on a clear path to prosperity and well-being for all its citizens.

Written by: WISDOM KOUDJO KLU,

EDUCATIONIST / COLUMNIST,

GREATER ACCRA REGION.

[email protected]