President-elect John Dramani Mahama has expressed grave concerns about the critical state of Ghana’s energy sector, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to avert a potential collapse.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, in Accra on Friday, Mahama highlighted the fragility of the energy sector and its potential to jeopardize the nation’s economic stability.
“The energy sector needs urgent surgery; otherwise, it can collapse everything,” Mahama warned, stressing the importance of efficiency, sustainability, and reliable energy supply as priorities for his administration.
Mahama also criticized the current government’s handling of the economy, particularly its portrayal of economic recovery. He highlighted the unresolved $2.5 billion energy sector debt, which he believes undermines the administration’s narrative of progress.
“You have a $2.5 billion debt, your bailout is only $3 billion, and so $2.5 billion sitting and breathing, and you say the economy is turning around,” Mahama remarked.
He cautioned that the unresolved debt could negate any progress made, accusing the current government of painting an overly optimistic picture of its economic management as its tenure draws to a close.
“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 assured Ghanaians that his administration would be transparent about the state of the economy.
“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 better appreciate some of the measures we will have to take to restore stability,” he concluded.
