The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the ongoing power outages in the country to the mismanagement of the country’s power-generating assets and the utilization of the Energy Sector Levy (ESLA) by the ruling government.
The former President in a scathing critique accused the New Patriotic Party administration and President Akufo-Addo for supervising the collateralization of the fund which was purposefully set up to pay for the country’s legacy debt in the power sector.
According to him, the decision by the current government to utilize the proceeds from the Energy Sector Levy as collateral has contributed to the resurgence of power outages in the country rather than alleviating them.
“The country has been plunged into darkness. Mismanagement of our generating assets and collateralization of the ESLA, which was meant to provide the resources to finance current and legacy debt, has led us back into the doom zone”.
John Dramani Mahama, NDC’s Flagbearer
Furthermore, the opposition National Democratic Congress flagbearer for the 2024 general elections bemoaned the detrimental impact of the ongoing power outages in the country.
He particularly posited that the unpredictable nature of the power outages in recent times has severely affected several businesses, especially small and medium enterprises as well as households.
Mr Mahama noted that the refusal of the power distribution company in the country, the Electricity Company of Ghana to produce a timetable for the ongoing power rationing in the country continues to pose severe challenge to the operationalization of several businesses in the country as it undermines how they plan towards work.
Calls on Government to Take Responsibility
Moreover, former President John Dramani Mahama expressed disappointment over how the ruling New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo is handling the recent power outages in the country.
He urged President Akufo-Addo to acknowledge his administration’s role in exacerbating the problem and take proactive measures to address the underlying issues affecting the country’s energy sector.
Meanwhile, the Independent Power Generators Ghana (IPGG) has expressed its support for the government’s decision to cease the export of electricity to neighboring countries including Togo, Burkina Faso, and Benin.
The group in a press statement issued by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor underscored the importance of prioritizing the domestic market amid ongoing energy woes.
“We are gladdened that the President is reported by the Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Energy and Mines, Samuel Atta Akyea, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South as having ordered the Volta River Authority to suspend the electricity export to our neighbors”
Elikplim Apetorgbor, IPGG CEO
According to Apetorgbor, while the decision by the government may not entirely resolve the country’s power supply issues, it is expected to provide much-needed relief and stability to Ghanaian citizens.
In addition, the Independent Power Generators Ghana Chief Executive Officer emphasized the significance of supporting the domestic market, particularly at a time when Ghana is grappling with persistent power supply challenges.
He highlighted the necessity of ensuring adequate electricity supply within the country’s borders before considering exportation to neighbouring nations.
Acknowledging the collective efforts of various stakeholders in drawing attention to the issue, Mr Apetorgbor extended his gratitude to the media, parliament, and the public for their keen interest and involvement in the matter.
READ ALSO: Ukraine In Need Of More Fighting Power
