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President John Dramani Mahama has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s capacity to tackle the country’s looming energy crisis, assuring Ghanaians that his administration has the human resources and expertise to address the challenges head-on and restore stability to the energy sector.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with a delegation from the World Bank on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, President Mahama acknowledged the severity of the situation, attributing it to unforeseen complications uncovered during the transition of power.
“The transition has taken place; it’s been smooth and cordial. But there are a few surprises that have come up in respect of the energy sector and some aspects of government decisions over the last seven years. Despite these challenges, Ghana has the human resources to deal with the situation and turn things around as quickly as possible,” he stated.
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President Mahama’s remarks come amidst growing concerns about an imminent return to “dumsor,” the colloquial term for Ghana’s persistent power outages that have historically plagued the energy sector.
John Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu and former Deputy Minister for Energy, recently highlighted the critical state of Ghana’s fuel reserves.
According to Jinapor, the country currently has only five hours’ worth of fuel supply available for energy generation, a situation that could cripple industries and disrupt daily life.
“This is a precarious situation that requires immediate intervention. Without swift action, we risk plunging into a full-blown energy crisis,” Jinapor warned.
In response to the crisis, the Mahama administration has swiftly convened a high-level technical committee tasked with developing a comprehensive roadmap to stabilise the energy sector.
The committee comprises seasoned energy experts, financial analysts, and policymakers, reflecting the government’s commitment to leveraging local expertise.
The committee has been instructed to deliver its recommendations by the end of the day, including immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures to resolve the crisis.
President Mahama emphasised the urgency of the situation: “We are working around the clock to address the fuel shortages and restore stability to the sector. The challenges are significant, but we are taking decisive action to ensure Ghana’s energy sector emerges stronger and more resilient.”
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing structural reforms in the energy sector to prevent future crises. Key areas of focus include:
- Diversifying Energy Sources: Accelerating investments in renewable energy and other sustainable power generation methods.
- Strengthening Fuel Supply Chains: Addressing inefficiencies and securing reliable fuel supply agreements.
- Enhancing Financial Accountability: Reviewing financial policies to ensure transparency and efficiency in the energy sector.
“We are not just solving today’s problem; we are laying the groundwork for a more stable, sustainable, and reliable energy future for Ghana,” Mahama stated.
