The recent wave of nationwide power outages is raising serious concerns about the credibility of the government’s energy policy and its implications for economic development, with the Minority in Parliament intensifying its scrutiny over the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Last Monday, at a press conference, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, expressed concern over what he described as a “growing disconnect” between government rhetoric and the reality of Ghanaians.
He warned that the deepening power crisis is fast eroding public confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-hour economy policy.
“The viability of any round-the-clock economic strategy hinges on a reliable energy backbone,” Aboagye said, intimating further that, “Yet the current situation mirrors the darkest days of the ‘dumsor’ era—except now, Ghanaians are paying more for less.”
Critics argue that while the government has been vocal about economic transformation and job creation, it has failed to stabilize the most essential pillar of industrial productivity—electricity. With persistent outages plaguing homes and businesses, citizens are questioning whether the policy is grounded in realistic planning or political expediency.
The Minority further questioned recent public comments by Energy Minister, John Jinapor, particularly his assertion that the country had only “2.6 days of fuel left.” The statement, they say, sent shockwaves through the business community and painted a picture of panic rather than preparedness.
“This is not the kind of leadership that inspires investor confidence,” Aboagye stated. “At a time when our economy needs assurance, the government is creating anxiety.”
Despite the administration’s promises, Ghana’s energy sector continues to face operational and financial constraints. The Minority highlighted that during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP’s) tenure from 2017 to 2024, significant progress was made—1,600 megawatts added to generation capacity and significant expansion of the transmission network. Yet, these gains, they argue, are being undermined by mismanagement and what they describe as “policy inconsistency” under the current government.
With electricity tariffs having risen by 14.75%, many Ghanaians are growing increasingly frustrated, particularly as service delivery deteriorates. The Minority warns that continued failures could lead to public unrest if swift and transparent interventions are not implemented.
“The people of Ghana deserve answers—not excuses. If the Energy Ministry is overwhelmed, it should reach out for help. But we cannot afford more opaque contracts or empty pledges,” Aboagye stressed.
As the government champions bold new initiatives like the 24-hour economy, public trust hinges on its ability to resolve the power crisis. The Minority insists that sustained darkness cannot be the backdrop to economic transformation—and that policy credibility must be earned through performance, not promises.
