Power Crisis Intensifies In Ghana - Drought Strangling Hydropower Output

[hatrack]

ACCRA , 3 August 2007 (IRIN) - Ghana is undergoing its worst power crisis since 1998. People go without electricity for at least 12 hours every other day, and, with insufficient rain to keep its hydropower stations functioning, the situation is likely to deteriorate, affecting individual livelihoods and the economy as a whole.

The water level of Lake Volta, the largest man-made lake in West Africa, which normally supplies 60 percent of Ghana’s energy needs, is at an all-time low, 234.96 ft below the critical minimum. The lack of water in the lake has created a 300 MW power shortfall.

Weather forecasters predict drought in all three northern regions of Ghana where the sources of the rivers that feed Lake Volta are located.

“The masses are suffering.” John Atipoe, an electrician and father of four, told IRIN. “The frequent power cuts destroyed my refrigeration system and I had no money to repair it,” said 51-year old Juliet Adjoa Serwah who used to make money selling food and drinks. “Now I have to resort to basket weaving to look after my three kids.”

EDIT

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=73566

[madrchsod]

1. my wife and have befriended a gentleman from ghana

we have had some interesting conversations over the last few months about his country.. i do remember that he was saying the sahara was encroaching more every year in the northern part of ghana. i`ll have to ask him about this situation

[razzleberry]

2. where are the 'solar and wind' people

when you need them?

this country would apppear to
be a potential customer