Small business owners in Walewale in the North East Region, have expressed their frustration as the deteriorating power supply takes a toll on their businesses.

Small businesses and startups in the hometown of Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, have reportedly recorded huge losses while others are struggling for alternatives.

Unannounced power outages have increased both in frequency and severity, with power now going off up to 5hrs daily since August. This, led to a massive street protest by residents against the government last week.

Speaking to Joy News’ Eliasu Tanko, some shop owners in the community, said the inconsistent power supply has created numerous problems for their businesses.

Owner of Taali Cold Store, Sadia Hamidu narrated her ordeal saying, “Meat worth GH₵4000 got spoilt because they put off our light for a week and frankly speaking it has really affected us. So we plead with the government to minimise the light outs [erratic power supply].”

A sachet water producing company is also struggling to keep up sales. Its owner, Salifu Sumani, said he has been compelled to cut production hours and that he might lay off some staff.

An aggrieved resident said the electricity is vital and the recent power outages are not only affecting businesses but domestic activities as well.

“And it is just amazing how only Walewale experiences these [inconsistent] power supply issues. So we are appealing to the government to try as much as possible, to come to our aid and fix our light,” he expressed.

Electricity issues are a big and sensitive subject in the town. It mostly leads to heightened political tensions and sometimes violence between sympathisers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).