Former President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians of his administration’s commitment to resolving the looming energy crisis and maintaining a reliable power supply.
Addressing the gathering at the 92nd Jalsa in Gomoa Pomadze, Winneba, on January 9, 2025, Mahama responded to concerns raised by John Jinapor about inadequate fuel reserves for electricity generation.
Mahama emphasized that the challenges stemmed from a lack of foresight by the previous administration, which failed to adequately prepare for such eventualities. “Ordinarily, to prevent blackouts caused by the loss of nearly 2000 megawatts of power, provisions for essential fuels—light crude oil, heavy fuel oil, and distillate fuel—must be in place. Unfortunately, these preparations were not adequately made,” he said.
He further explained the logistical delays involved in securing and treating fuel for power plants, adding, “When the fuel finally arrives, it takes approximately three weeks to place an order and complete delivery, and an additional week and a half to treat the fuel before it can be used. This delay poses a genuine threat to power stability.”
Despite these challenges, Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration would not shy away from its responsibility. “We were elected to solve these problems, not to shift blame or burden you with them. Rest assured, we are taking decisive action to keep the lights on and avoid the dreaded dumsor.”
As part of his reset agenda, Mahama highlighted the progress made through consultations with key players in the energy sector. “Just yesterday, I convened a meeting with all stakeholders in the electricity value chain. They’ve been working tirelessly to propose innovative solutions. I can confidently say that their recommendations will ensure a stable and consistent power supply.”
John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, had earlier sounded the alarm about the precarious state of Ghana’s fuel reserves. He revealed that the nation had only five hours’ worth of fuel available for electricity generation, a situation that could trigger a power crisis if not addressed promptly.
