Dirty TackleGhana is borrowing electricity from the Ivory Coast to ensure World Cup games are broadcast uninterrupted
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While Ghana's Black Stars compete in Brazil, a shortage of gas in the African nation has led to widespread electricity rationing.
Ghana's 24 million residents might have been worried that this would affect their ability to watch the World Cup, but utility authorities have ensured they will not miss a kick by boosting power production — and borrowing electricity from the Ivory Coast.
[Related: Ghana benches two of its best players vs. U.S.]
According to Bloomberg, the country's largest aluminium smelter will operate on reduced power during Ghana's matches, meaning there will be more juice for TVs.
Furthermore, Ghana's Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has confirmed that neighboring Ivory Coast will be supplying 50 megawatts of power. That's nowhere near the 1.21 gigawatts required to power a DeLorean time machine, but very helpful to cope with the demands of the World Cup:
“These plans are put in place for consumers to watch uninterruptible football matches during the World Cup,” the [Public Utilities Regulatory Commission] said in the statement.
"Football is the passion of the nation,” said [Ghana Football Association committee member Kudjoe Fianoo], referring to Ghana as the Brazil of Africa. “It is no wonder the government is spending extra money to get us reliable power at this very important time in our nation.”
[Photos: Celebs and world leaders at the World Cup]
Ghana is not the only place in the world where a World Cup puts a strain on energy supplies. During any major tournament, the national grid in England is put under tremendous strain by the "half-time kettle effect," as thirsty fans collectively switch on the kettle to brew a cup of tea at the interval of national team games. Which sounds like the most British thing ever.
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Ryan Bailey is a writer for Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter! Follow @RyanJayBailey
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