Dumsor Vigil today

The much- anticipated Dumsor Vigil which had been met with many challenges is finally set to hold today with actresses, Yvonne Nelson, Lydia Forson and rapper, Sarkodie, championing the cause.

The vigil which is scheduled to take off from the University of Ghana’s old gate at 4 pm is meant to put pressure on President Mahama and his government to solve the current energy crisis .

The organisers of the vigil which include a number of celebrities such as actors, Van Vicker, Ama Abebrese, David Osei, comedian DKB, musician D. Black, among others had to jump over a number of hurdles before the green light was given.

First, it was the University of Ghana authorities that distanced themselves from it saying, they were not aware of the event; neither were they in the process of granting permission to any persons seeking to hold any such procession.

Organisers then changed the start–off venue to On The Run eatery near the university but in less than 24 hours, owners of the venue, Total Ghana, denied them permission. 

A statement by Olivier Van Parys, managing director of Total Petroleum Ghana Limited, said, “Please note that our Company, Total Petroleum Ghana Limited, which is the owner of the said location, has not been contacted for any such programme and would therefore, request the general public to disregard the announcement running on various media,”.

Again, a statement by the Ga Traditional Council muddied the waters and held the procession in limbo. 

However, a meeting by the organisers, the Ga Traditional Council and the Police earlier in the week reached a consensus and gave the celebrities the opportunity to hold the vigil which is expected to attract many other stakeholders in the arts and entertainment industry to voice their frustration.