The community of Akontamu in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region has been plunged into frustration as a partial power outage enters its sixth day. While one half of the town continues to enjoy regular electricity supply, the other half remains in darkness, creating an uneven situation that is disrupting lives and livelihoods.
The blackout, which began earlier in the week, has affected homes, shops, schools, and health facilities in the impacted areas. With no official explanation or timeline for resolution from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) or relevant authorities, residents are growing increasingly anxious.
Many small businesses that rely on electricity — including cold stores, salons, drinking spots, and food vendors — have been forced to shut down or scale back operations. The loss of income and perishable goods is taking a toll, and families are struggling to maintain daily routines.
Beyond the economic effects, the darkness has raised serious safety concerns. Without functioning streetlights in parts of the town, there is growing fear of criminal activity, especially during night hours. Parents have also expressed concern about the impact on students, particularly those preparing for exams and unable to study under proper lighting conditions.
The lack of communication from ECG and other responsible bodies has further deepened the frustration. Residents say they have made several attempts to reach out, but have received no concrete answers or visible response.
Community leaders and residents alike are calling for urgent attention to the issue. They are appealing to the relevant institutions to investigate the cause of the partial blackout and restore full electricity supply to the entire town without further delay.
As the days go by, tension continues to rise. Residents have made it clear that if no action is taken soon, they may be forced to organize a peaceful protest to demand justice and equal access to power. For them, electricity is not a privilege — it is a basic necessity essential to education, safety, health, and economic survival.
The people of Akontamu are united in their call: restore the light, restore equality, and restore confidence in the systems meant to serve them.
