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| 'Dumsor' song by Rapper Opanka |
As Ghana marked its 67th Independence Day from British rule on March 6, 2024, a day of pride and reflection, the persistent issue of ‘Dumsor’ overshadowed the celebrations. Across the country, including my neighbourhood, the electricity supply was as intermittent as ever. The flickering lights were a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against the erratic power supply that has plagued our nation.
On a day meant for unity and celebration, families and businesses endured the familiar disruption of power cuts. The contrast between the festive events and the darkness of powerless homes underscored the irony of celebrating progress against a backdrop of infrastructural challenges. This personal experience highlights the need to address ‘Dumsor’—not merely for convenience but as a crucial aspect of our nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
The Ghanaian term ‘Dumsor,’ derived from the Akan words ‘dum’ (off) and ‘sor’ (on), describes the frequent and unpredictable power outages in Ghana. This colloquialism captures the erratic electricity supply and is entrenched in the nation’s political and social discourse, reflecting the impact of these disruptions.
The term ‘Dumsor’ reached its peak usage in Ghana from 2012 to 2015 during President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure. It evolved into a widespread expression of frustration over power outages and gained traction on social media, notably with the hashtags #Dumsor and #Dumsormuststop.
Over time, ‘dumsor’ has been a point of contention, with political parties blaming each other for failing to resolve the issue. Recently, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration, the term ‘load shedding’ has been introduced to shift focus from ‘dumsor’ and mitigate public criticism.
However, it has become increasingly apparent that the current government is reluctant to acknowledge the resurgence of ‘dumsor.’ This has led to widespread discontent among the general public, who have mobilized to express their dissatisfaction with the situation and demand improved governance.
In a notable act of musical activism, Ghanaian artist Opanka released this track to address these critical national concerns. Other artists have similarly released songs that address ‘dumsor’ and various issues the country faces.
Get the song 'Dumsor' by Opanka your preferred platform [here].
Furthermore, NGOs, citizens, public figures, and political parties, among others, have organized demonstrations and other forms of protest to voice their displeasure.
At this pivotal moment, decisive action and commitment are essential from both government and citizens. Let the call for change, amplified by artists like Opanka and proactive citizens, persist until ‘Dumsor’ becomes history, and Ghana thrives, fueled by consistent development. The intermittent lights must yield to a future where power is as reliable as the Ghanaian determination to advance prosperity and growth.
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