Yvonne Nelson pulls off #DumsorMustStop

When actress Yvonne Nelson in collaboration with her colleagues showbiz personalities planned to take her social media campaign, #DumsorMustStop to the streets, many were those who were sceptical about its success.

But last Saturday, the turn out at the vigil which started at the old main gates of the University of Ghana, Legon, and ended at the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout was enough indication that  the vigil went well.

In addition to the celebs, the vigil attracted some Members of Parliament, lawyers, university lecturers among others. 

The event saw demonstrators carrying torches, lanterns, candles, generators as they walked to the final destination. About 300 police men were deployed to the event.

The vigil even attracted some individuals who had criticised the campaign in the weeks preceeding the vigil. Comedian, David Oscar, who even waged social media ‘war’ with strong advocates of the vigil such as Yvonne Nelson and Lydia Forson was there.

Another surprise was Alhaji Halidu Haruna, a member of the ruling party who described female celebrities who were still single at age 30 as prostitutes because #DumsorMustStop.

 Although he had apologised for the insult, he had to be whisked away by security to avoid any casualties when some demonstrators made him out and nearly lynched him.

The vigil was meant to be a quiet march but some patrons could not help but sing and dance along the way. Lyrics of some popular songs such as Me Gye Wo Girl by Sarkodie and Shatta Wale was changed to JM Bɛ Gye Wo Light  to make mockery of the Dumsor situation.  

At the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout, a stage was mounted for the stars to speak about the toll Dumsor was taking on them and their frustrations at  the government’s inability to solve the energy crisis in the country.

Yvonne Nelson who led the demonstration was the first to speak. “ We are not here to speak for any political party but we are  here to speak for ourselves and the voiceless”, she said. She said they want to use their celebrity status to make a change in the society.

Comedian, DKB, musician, D Black, and  actor, Van Vicker, were some of the speakers at the event. When it was his turn to speak, actor, Van Vicker, could not hold back his tears as he talked about his experiences with the energy crisis.

While some patrons argued it was an act, others  believed it was genuine because he was also suffering from Dumsor.

The vigil was, however, not without  hitches, some demonstrators were at a loss where to go as the procession got near the roundabout. While some went towards the Accra Mall, others went the opposite way. The police had to come in to direct them to the right place.

It was difficult tohear what the speakers were saying although they  used a megaphone. 

Also, with the exception of Yvonne Nelson, Efya, D Black, Van Vicker, Socrate Safo, Timothy Bentum, Prince David Osei who marched together and were tightly protected by the police, most of the celebs were seen standing with their fans in groups. 

Some of the celebs who graced the event included Kubolor, E.L.,  Afia Schwarzenegger, Elikem, and Barima Sydney.