President-elect John Dramani Mahama has raised serious concerns about the precarious state of Ghana’s energy sector, calling for urgent and comprehensive reforms to prevent a potential collapse.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat, Mahama described the sector as fragile and warned that its challenges could destabilize the nation’s economy if left unaddressed.
“The energy sector needs urgent surgery; otherwise, it can collapse everything,” Mahama stated.
The President-elect emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and a reliable energy supply for all Ghanaians. He noted that prioritizing these reforms would be central to his agenda upon taking office.
In a pointed critique of the outgoing government’s economic policies, Mahama highlighted the unresolved $2.5 billion energy sector debt. He questioned the sustainability of the current administration’s claims of economic recovery, given the magnitude of the debt burden.
“You have a $2.5 billion debt, your bailout is only $3 billion, and so $2.5 billion is sitting and breathing, and you say the economy is turning around,” Mahama said.
He warned that the unresolved debt could undermine any progress made, suggesting that the current government’s optimistic narrative of economic recovery is misleading.
“That alone can crush everything that has been done. They want to create a more upbeat story about their economic management before they leave office,” he added.
Mahama pledged transparency in addressing the nation’s economic challenges, assuring Ghanaians that his administration would provide a clear picture of the country’s financial state.
“We are going to open the books when we come and let Ghanaians know what the true situation is. If Ghanaians understand the true situation, they will also understand some of the measures we will have to take to bring things back,” Mahama explained.
As Ghana prepares for a leadership transition, Mahama’s remarks underscore the critical need for reforms in the energy sector and broader economic management to ensure long-term stability and growth.
