The Minority caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has criticized the country’s Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, over his perceived silence and lack of initiative amid the escalating power crisis in the country. The crisis, which started late last year, has caused persistent power outages without a comprehensive explanation from the government, leading to increased frustration among the populace and the political opposition.
John Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, expressed his concerns to JoyNews, highlighting the Ministry of Energy’s inaction. He criticized Dr. Prempeh for his dismissive response to Ghanaians’ demands for a load-shedding timetable, suggesting they create one themselves instead of offering a clear plan or solution.
Jinapor noted that the lack of communication from the Ministry of Energy is alarming, given the severity of the situation that affects numerous aspects of daily life and the economy. He expected the Ministry of Energy to be transparent about the issues causing the power disruptions, the challenges they pose, and the steps being taken to address them. “I thought that by now, the Ministry of Energy should engage Ghanaians, tell us the real problem, the challenges we are facing, its consequences, and the steps being taken to deal with the challenge,” he remarked.
Jinapor also pointed out the silence from other high-ranking officials, including President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, neither of whom has publicly addressed the crisis. The Vice President, in particular, who currently leads the management team and is vying for the presidency, has been criticized for not demonstrating the leadership needed to manage the economy effectively, which includes ensuring a reliable power supply.
According to Jinapor, who also serves as the MP for Yapei Kusawgu Constituency, the government’s stance has been a disappointment. He warned against any attempts by the government to procure the necessary fuel for power generation without parliamentary approval, suggesting that bypassing due processes would lead to future repercussions, particularly if the opposition were to assume power under President Mahama. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership during times of crisis and urged the government to take immediate action to address the power crisis.
Jinapor warned that any breach of procurement processes or constitutional requirements would not be honored if there is a change in administration. This implies that debts incurred improperly will not be recognized. In the meantime, the opposition party, Minority, has stated that it will not tolerate any illegalities or breaches of process by the government. They view such acts as desperate measures to sustain the system merely for the sake of upcoming elections, which in turn burdens the country with more debt.
The power crisis in Ghana has not only disrupted everyday life but also raised serious questions about governance, accountability, and the future direction of the country’s energy policy. As the nation looks toward future elections, energy reliability and economic management have become focal points of public and political debate, making the crisis a significant political issue.
