Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, firmly rejected actress Yvonne Nelson’s call to address the ongoing power crisis, known as “dumsor”.

The actress made her plea via a post on the X app, inviting IMANI Africa to collaborate on a vigil reminiscent of a 2015 protest she led. However, Simons clarified that IMANI Africa was not directly involved in organizing the ‘dumsor’ vigil in 2015. During the tenure of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under former President John Dramani Mahama, Yvonne Nelson, along with several industry figures including musicians and actors, led a similar protest in 2015.

Miss Nelson expressed her frustration over the current situation in a post on X, calling for collaboration to organize the vigil and attributing its success to IMANI. However, Mr. Simons clarified that the 2015 vigil was organized by pressure groups, not IMANI. He noted that IMANI has diligently engaged with relevant stakeholders on various power supply issues, but the actress has not amplified any of their work.

Simons questioned why Nelson has not supported or shared IMANI’s efforts, stating, “We’ve been chasing ECG, pursuing CWM matters, fighting over gas value chain issues (a la Genser), probing power tariff proposals, highlighting IPP debt buildup etc. I’m afraid I’ve never seen Ms. Nelson amplify any of that work. Ever. Not even a retweet. Now, why is that?”

He added: “Except that IMANI didn’t organise any vigils. They were organised by pressure groups. Pressure groups are not permanent institutions. Ghana’s problems require long-term consistent advocacy best suited to INSTITUTIONS. Do YOU support such institutions? Does Ms. Nelson?”

Except that IMANI didn't organise any vigils. They were organised by pressure groups. Pressure groups are not permanent institutions. Ghana’s problems require long-term consistent advocacy best suited to INSTITUTIONS. Do YOU support such institutions? Does Ms. Nelson?

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) April 23, 2024