On Thursday, Ghana’s parliament was disconnected from the national grid by the largest power distribution company, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), for failing to settle Gh¢23 million debt, thereby, throwing the whole facility in total darkness.
The disconnection happened when the legislators were debating the issues raised by President Akufo-Addo during his State of the Nation Address on Monday, February 25, 2024.
The disconnection is part of the ongoing ‘Operation Zero Balance’ initiative by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) task force.
The primary goal of the revenue mobilisation exercise is to recover outstanding debts from customers.
According to media reports, proceedings in the Chamber were disrupted for a while before power was restored through a generator.
The reports said some MPs and their staff were drenched in sweat and had to reschedule their meetings with officials and constituents.
“Those who remained in their offices had to open their secure and locked windows to make their visitors comfortable,” a local portal, newsalertgh.com reported.
“Some MPs found themselves trapped in elevators within the building.
With ‘Job 600’ and adjoining offices completely powerless, the elevators malfunctioned, leaving occupants stranded in the darkness,” it added.
The unfortunate incident prompted a response from the Ghana National Fire Service to promptly dispatch personnel to the scene to rescue those trapped in the elevators.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
