The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide a clear explanation for the resurgence of the erratic power supply, popularly known as “dumsor,” which has been affecting businesses and livelihoods.
This appeal was made by Dr. Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nhyiaeso, in the Ashanti region, during a press briefing following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since assuming office on January 7, 2025.
Referencing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final address before leaving office, Dr. Amoah pointed out that the previous administration had successfully tackled the energy crisis.
“In his last Statement of the Nation Address, the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated and rightly so, ‘it is worth emphasizing that I inherited a nation plagued by ‘dumsor’, but I am very happy to say that I leave office in 2025 with the lights on.’ Sadly, after 7th January 2025, the Government of President Mahama has failed to keep the lights on,” he stated.
The Nhyiaeso MP also dismissed the government’s justification that the power crisis is a result of the maintenance program on the West African Gas Pipeline, questioning why such challenges did not disrupt power supply under the previous administration.
“Several excuses have been given for the current excruciating dumsor – the latest being the current maintenance programme of the West Africa Gas Pipeline. We do not know whether, under the NPP government, the Gas Pipeline was going through similar maintenance. If so, why were the lights on, but cannot be on today because of the maintenance of the Pipeline?” he queried.
Dr. Amoah further emphasised the severe impact of the power outages on businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises such as dressmakers, ice water sellers, and hair salons, which rely heavily on a stable electricity supply.
He urged President Mahama to provide a concrete and transparent explanation for the crisis and to take immediate steps to resolve it.
“President Mahama needs to come clear on the real reasons for the current dumsor, which has created uncomfortable situations for businesses,” he stressed.
