The opposition Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the current power situation in Ghana, accusing President John Dramani Mahama’s government of mishandling the energy crisis and causing uncertainty about the country’s economic prospects in 2025.
Speaking at a press conference, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam lamented that President Mahama’s recent assurances to fix the ongoing power shortages, often referred to as “dumsor,” echo the same promises made during his previous term in office, which ended in 2016.
“Not even the creation of a new Ministry of Power by him could save the nation from the excruciating effects of ‘dumsor‘, resulting in the dismissal of then Minister for Power in January 2015.”
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
According to Dr. Adam, the current situation reflects a historical pattern, drawing comparisons to the prolonged power outages that plagued the country between 2011 and 2016, often under the term “dumsor.”
He pointed out that despite President Mahama’s promises to resolve the crisis, his tenure witnessed continued power shortages, a situation that worsened over time.
Dr. Adam further emphasized that the creation of a new Ministry of Power during Mahama’s second term did little to alleviate the crisis.
He asserted that even though the government made attempts to restructure and appoint new officials, including ministers, the underlying issues persisted, resulting in economic and social hardship for the people.
The former finance minister highlighted that in 2016, Ghanaians continued to experience power interruptions, which the government attributed to “maintenance” and “localized faults.”
Dr. Adam, however, dismissed these explanations as mere public relations stunts designed to cover up the reality of the ongoing power shortages, especially as the 2016 elections neared.
“The government avoided issuing a load-shedding timetable, even though the public was calling for transparency. This was done to avoid public backlash and political consequences as the general elections were approaching.”
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
Minority Urges Action to Address Power Crisis
The Minority emphasized that Ghanaians lived through the harsh effects of “dumsor” and remained painfully aware that the situation had not been resolved, despite the government’s assurances.
He accused the Mahama administration of failing to address the power crisis effectively, leading to deep frustrations among businesses and citizens alike. “Your record on ‘dumsor’ is abysmal, Mr. President,” Dr. Adam stated.
“Unlike your predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who succeeded in keeping the lights on, you have failed to deliver on your promises. As we find ourselves back in the era of ‘dumsor,’ Ghanaians are filled with fear and anxiety over the potential damage this could cause to their lives and livelihoods.”
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
Dr. Adam particularly expressed concern for the impact on small businesses, which rely heavily on stable electricity to operate.
He cited the plight of local entrepreneurs such as hairdressers, welders, dressmakers, and various small-scale traders, many of whom depend on consistent power to run their daily operations.
“We’ve also seen a resurgence in the use of generators at businesses, clinics, and social events. This is the true state of the nation, and it is harming our economy and livelihoods.”
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
In his statement, Dr. Adam called on the government to take immediate action by publishing a load-shedding timetable.
This, he argued, would allow the public and businesses to plan effectively, mitigating the negative effects of unreliable power.
The Minority further urged the Mahama administration to consider more practical solutions to address the energy sector’s challenges, warning that continued uncertainty in the power supply could lead to further economic decline.
The demand for transparency has only increased as power cuts continue to affect the nation’s daily operations.
For now, the debate continues, with the Minority calling for accountability and hoping that the situation will soon be addressed with the seriousness and urgency it requires.
The power crisis remains one of the most pressing issues facing the Mahama administration as it navigates its second term in office, and its ability to effectively manage the situation will likely play a critical role in shaping the country’s economic future.
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