Yvonne Nelson’s 2015 dumsor demonstration had ‘hostile’ reaction under Mahama but ‘friendly’ one under Akufo-Addo — Entertainment pundit

Entertainment pundit Vida Adutwumwaa has highlighted the difference in reactions to actress Yvonne Nelson's protests against Ghana's erratic power supply, known as 'dumsor,' under different administrations.

Vida pointed out that Yvonne faced harsh criticism and personal attacks during her 2015 demonstration under then-President John Dramani Mahama but has encountered a more supportive environment under the current administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Speaking on UTV's United Showbiz program, Vida noted, “When Yvonne wanted to lead a demonstration against dumsor in 2015, some political analysts branded her as a ‘prostitute.’

"However, this government has provided her with fertile ground to organize a significant protest without facing questioning or criticism.”

In 2015, Yvonne Nelson's campaign against the power crisis drew severe backlash, including derogatory comments from political commentator Alhaji Halidu Haruna, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, who labeled her and other female celebrities as “prostitutes and irresponsible” on his Facebook page.

This sparked widespread outrage and forced Haruna to issue an unqualified apology.

But to Vida, comparing now and then, the current administration has fostered a more accommodating atmosphere for similar activism.

The organizers of the #DumsorMustStop movement, led by Yvonne Nelson, have planned another demonstration, initially scheduled for May 25, 2024, but rescheduled to June 8, 2024, following legal interventions by the Ghana Police Service.

The event, now set to commence at the University of Ghana and proceed to Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout, aims to address the ongoing power issues with speeches and a platform for public discourse.

The revised hours for the vigil are from 2pm to 10pm, differing from the original start time of 8am.

The change follows the police service's legal efforts to block the protest at Revolution Square, with a court hearing scheduled for May 24, 2024, at 9am.