The ongoing power crisis in Obuasi is not just an inconvenience, it is becoming a death sentence for many local businesses. Among the worst affected is Muffin Farms Ltd., a livestock production company located at Tasliman, along the Obuasi–Adansi Asokwa Road. The company, which specializes in pig farming, slaughtering, and grilling, also engages in goat, sheep, rabbitry, and poultry production.
Since the start of the erratic power supply last month, Edward Akwasi Akuoko, CEO of Muffin Farms Ltd., reports that the business has lost over GHS 300,000. With meat spoilage, animal deaths, and declining sales, the company now faces the grim possibility of laying off more than 20 workers if the situation does not improve immediately.
“The power outages are unpredictable. The load shedding timetable is not being followed, and this has disrupted our operations completely. We can’t store meat, and people don’t go out at night to buy our grilled pork anymore,” Edward said in frustration.
Veterinary Report Confirms Meat Spoilage and Animal Deaths
The gravity of the situation was confirmed in an official report by the Veterinary Services Department of the Adansi Asokwa District, dated 30th May 2025. In the report, the District Veterinary Officer explained how a blackout affected the farm’s water system and chiller room.
With no water supply, pigs at the farm became severely dehydrated, many of them recumbent and dying. Simultaneously, a lack of refrigeration due to the blackout led to the spoilage of stored meat.
Under veterinary supervision, 605kg of meat and 25 pigs were disposed of, and the slaughterhouse was closed down for five days to prevent a food-borne disease outbreak.
A City-Wide Crisis
Muffin Farms Ltd. is not alone in this crisis. Other businesses in Obuasi, especially those dependent on refrigeration, lighting, and evening operations such as cold stores, restaurants, and food vendors are seeing their incomes dwindle. Many have been forced to invest in fuel-powered generators, adding operational costs to already struggling enterprises.
For Edward Akuoko and others in his position, the problem is not just about electricity, it’s about survival.
“People are not buying meat like they used to. Night business is collapsing. Our animals are dying, and the meat we manage to produce is spoiling,” he said.
A Call for Urgent, Transparent Intervention
Business owners are now calling on GRIDCo, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and government stakeholders to take swift and transparent action. The lack of adherence to the load shedding timetable has made planning nearly impossible for both households and businesses.
“We are begging for stability,” Edward pleaded. “If this continues, Obuasi will lose more jobs and more businesses.”
On May 21, 2025, a fire incident occurred at Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) Obuasi Substation in the Ashanti Region, resulting in an unforeseen power supply disruption across Obuasi Township and its vicinity. Consequently, electricity supply has been irregular in Obuasi and its surrounding communities since the incident.
About Muffin Farms Ltd.
Muffin Farms Ltd. is a respected livestock production company based in Tasliman on the Obuasi – Adansi Asokwa Road. The farm specializes in pig farming and its processing, including grilling for retail. It also operates goat, sheep, rabbit, and poultry farms, providing fresh meat and live animals to households and businesses across the region.