Edward Nii Lante Vanderpuye has criticised the Minority caucus for what he described as sudden demands for government transparency. He made the remarks during a recent press engagement.
The National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme said the current administration remains committed to open governance. He added that the state operates within a system that requires transparency and expects honesty from all stakeholders.
He said there is no issue with citizens or groups demanding accountability on national matters. He also assured the public that the government remains ready to account to the people of Ghana.
Vanderpuye stated that the executive is prepared to give a full account of its stewardship when required by law. He said the principle of equity remains clear and applies to the current political environment.
He argued that those who seek equity must come with clean hands. He added that some individuals who avoided accountability in the past are now demanding it from others.
“People who ran away from accountability, people who never, never responded to calls of accountability and were never accountable to us are now demanding people account for their stewardship.”
Edward Nii Lante Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme
He said such individuals failed to respond to similar calls during their time in office. He added that the current administration intends to act as a transparent and responsible government.
Vanderpuye described calls for the dismissal of key government officials as politically driven. He compared the situation to a rival football team asking its opponent to drop its most reliable player.
He cited an example of one club asking another to remove a key player like Bruno Fernandes. He said the Energy Minister remains one of the most capable figures in the country.
He suggested that critics recognise the minister’s ability and seek his removal for that reason. He added that in football, opponents often wish strong players are absent before a match.
He wished the Energy Minister good health and strength to manage his duties. He said the minister continues to work to ensure a stable power supply.
Vanderpuye stated that the government is addressing challenges inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party administration. He added that long standing structural issues in the energy sector are now receiving attention.
He said the previous government failed to resolve these issues despite having several years in office. He added that the current administration is taking steps to stabilise power supply and fuel systems.
Energy Minister Praised For Addressing Debt And Infrastructure Challenges
Vanderpuye commended the Energy Minister for efforts to manage debts in the sector. He said the previous administration left behind significant financial obligations.
He stated that the debt rose to nearly 6 billion before the change in government. He added that funds meant to address these challenges were not used for their intended purpose.
He said the current administration has paid about 1.7 billion of the inherited debt. He added that this has been achieved within a short period.
Vanderpuye argued that the previous government failed to invest in the sector. He said this left the energy system in a weakened state.
“They left behind a structure that had been bruised because you never, never invested in that sector. You never invested in that sector.”
Edward Nii Lante Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme
He said the current government is focusing on strengthening infrastructure and improving distribution.
He added that past efforts by previous government to address distribution challenges were ineffective.
He cited the relocation of the Ameri power plant from Takoradi to Kumasi as an example of poor decisions.
He said the move was costly and did not solve the problem and also, the previous administration did not add any value to the sector.
He added that the current minister is identifying gaps to improve efficiency.
He stated that installed capacity stands at just under 6,000 megawatts. He said peak demand is about 4,400 megawatts, leaving a reserve margin.
He rejected claims of a power shortfall and described such reports as misleading. He said current capacity is sufficient to meet national demand.
He explained that the government has identified technical challenges affecting power distribution. He added that efforts are underway to address these gaps.
Vanderpuye said Akosombo continues to supply about 1,000 megawatts to the national grid. He added that this provides a stable base for power generation.
He said the Energy Minister has improved coordination in the sector. He was confident in his capabilities.
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