President-elect John Dramani Mahama has sounded the alarm over Ghana’s energy sector, describing its fragile state as a potential threat to the nation’s economic stability. He has pledged immediate and comprehensive reforms to secure the sector’s sustainability and efficiency.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat in Accra, Mahama emphasized the pressing need for systemic changes. “The energy sector needs urgent surgery; otherwise, it can collapse everything,” he warned.
Mahama criticized the outgoing administration’s economic recovery narrative, highlighting unresolved debts that could derail progress. He pointed out that the energy sector alone faces a $2.5 billion debt burden, which he argued undermines the government’s claim of economic turnaround.
“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 stated. He accused the current administration of painting an overly optimistic picture of its economic management ahead of leaving office.
The President-elect assured Ghanaians of transparency in addressing the country’s economic challenges. “We are going to open the books when we come and let Ghanaians know what the true situation is. If Ghanaians understand the reality, they will appreciate some of the tough measures we must take to restore stability,” Mahama added.
This commitment comes amid growing public concern over energy supply reliability and the sector’s financial sustainability. Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reforms aimed at achieving a robust energy infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving the lives of all Ghanaians.
