By Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has issued an urgent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to address the ongoing erratic power supply, warning that the situation is beginning to take a toll on students preparing for major national examinations.
In a strongly worded public statement, Sammi Awuku expressed concern over the return of intermittent power outages—commonly referred to as dumsor—noting that the instability is occurring at a critical time for thousands of students across the country.
His comments come as candidates for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-administered exams are in the midst of preparations and assessments that will shape their academic futures.
According to him, students writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which began on April 21, 2026, as well as candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) scheduled to commence on May 4, 2026, are being directly affected by the unstable power supply.
Sammi Awuku stressed that this period represents a defining moment in the lives of these young learners, who require uninterrupted time for revision and mental preparation.
However, he noted that frequent power outages are disrupting study routines, breaking concentration, and increasing anxiety among candidates who are already under pressure to perform.
“When the lights go off in the middle of studying, it slows learning and creates unnecessary stress at a time when they need calm and focus the most,” he stated, adding that many parents have also expressed growing concern about the situation.
The MP further pointed out that examination bodies such as WAEC will proceed with their schedules regardless of the challenges faced by students, making it imperative for authorities to ensure a conducive learning environment.
He warned that failure to address the power situation could place students at a disadvantage through no fault of their own.
Beyond the education sector, Awuku highlighted the broader economic implications of the power outages, noting that businesses, entrepreneurs, and small-scale operators are also experiencing disruptions to their activities.
He described the cumulative impact as significant and deserving of immediate attention.
Ghana has a history of battling intermittent power supply challenges, particularly during periods of generation shortfalls and infrastructure constraints.
Although recent years have seen some stability improvements, concerns about the re-emergence of dumsor have resurfaced in recent months, sparking public debate and political commentary.
Sammi Awuku’s intervention adds to mounting pressure on the government to provide clarity and swift solutions, especially as the academic calendar reaches a crucial phase.
Describing his message as a “sincere and urgent appeal,” the Akuapem North legislator called on the President and relevant authorities to act decisively to restore stable electricity, at least during the examination period, to protect the future of the youth.
“At the very least, let’s ensure our students are given a fair and stable environment to prepare for and write their exams,” he urged.
He concluded with a strong reminder that the welfare and future of young people must remain a national priority, insisting that government cannot afford to overlook their needs at such a critical time.
