“I Am Ready for This Responsibility”—John” Abdulai Jinapor Speaks on His Appointment as Energy Minister-Designate

John Abdulai Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, has expressed his full readiness to take on the role of Energy Minister-designate, following his appointment by President John Mahama.

In a candid interview, Jinapor emphasised his preparedness for the challenges ahead, reflecting his long-standing commitment to the energy sector and his confidence in tackling Ghana’s pressing energy issues.

“I am ready for this responsibility,” Jinapor declared during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, acknowledging the weight of the new role while expressing his determination to face the challenges head-on. His statement signals his unwavering commitment to improving the country’s energy infrastructure and addressing the power issues that have plagued Ghana for years.

Jinapor, who has an extensive background in energy economics and finance, shared that his appointment was not entirely unexpected.

He credited President Mahama for subtly hinting at the opportunity in past conversations, providing him with the motivation to continue his work in the energy sector.

“Mahama gave us snippets showing that if you work hard, you will be rewarded. So, it wasn’t completely unexpected,” he remarked, acknowledging that the president had placed his trust in his experience and expertise.

Despite his readiness, Jinapor did not shy away from acknowledging the complexities and challenges inherent in the role. “This job is not easy. It comes with a lot of challenges, and it’s important to be open about these challenges so people can appreciate the issues,” he said, emphasising that the energy sector’s problems would require collaborative efforts and thoughtful strategies.

“It requires circumspection and negotiations because I cannot do this job alone,” he added, signalling his willingness to work with various stakeholders and experts to drive change in the sector.

Throughout the interview, Jinapor underscored the importance of collaboration and public feedback, stressing that the success of his tenure would depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

“If things are going wrong, I encourage the public and stakeholders to let us know. I can never be right in everything, and I believe in a collective effort to address the challenges in the energy sector,” he said, signalling his openness to constructive criticism and his commitment to transparency.

Jinapor also reflected on the emotional and psychological preparedness required for the job, stating that while the responsibility was substantial, he was fully prepared for the challenges it would bring.

“I am prepared for this responsibility, but I need the support of industry players because this is not a job I can do alone,” he concluded, signalling his dedication to the role and the support he hopes to receive from the public and industry stakeholders.