The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has voiced grave concerns over the persisting issue of inconsistent power supply in the country, commonly referred to as dumsor, citing its detrimental effects on media operations.

Speaking at the World Press Freedom Day 2024 event held at the Koforidua Technical University on Friday, May 3, Mr Dwumfour underscored the adverse impact of erratic power supply on the international reputation of Ghanaian journalists.

He bemoaned instances where broadcast equipment suffered damage due to frequent power outages, necessitating media houses investing in expensive generators amidst soaring fuel prices.

“One key feature of WPFD is the release of the global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders, which gauges press freedom performances of countries. The introduction of economic indicators in the computation of the index has contributed to lowering Ghana’s performance,” Mr Dwumfour highlighted.

Expressing concern over the economic strain faced by media houses, Mr Dwumfour echoed calls for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), to furnish a power supply timetable to mitigate losses. 

“Reports suggest damage to broadcast equipment as a result of the erratic power outages. Media houses now have to grapple with the procurement of expensive generators at a time when fuel prices are skyrocketing.

“We want to add our voice to the numerous calls on the Electricity Company of Ghana to provide a timetable on electricity supply to save media houses from economic losses that would ultimately affect the press freedom ranking of the country,” Mr Dwumfour emphasised.