Ghana’s ruling party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has touted its records in the country’s energy sector as the best in the fourth Republic.
The West African nation will be going to the polls on December 7, 2020, to elect a president and Members of Parliament to rule the country for the next four years.
Ahead of the elections, the governing party is unveiling its 2020 Manifesto at the Cape Coast University, Central Region, which outlines its major policies for the next four.
Delivering a speech to trumpet its achievements to herald the launching of the Manifesto, Deputy Minister for Energy in charge of Petroleum, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam stated that the NPP is first in the history of Ghana to reduce electricity tariffs by 11 percent on a net basis against an increase in tariffs of 265 percent under the NDC government.
Dr. Amin who is the NPP’s Parliamentary for Karaga Constituency in the Northern Region said, ISSER of Ghana’s Premier University Legon, reported that the inept management of the country’s energy sector, which was christened as ‘Dumsor’, cost the West African nation, US$680 million in 2014, representing about 2 percent of GDP.
He further observed that Ghana’s energy sector faced an unpresented financial crisis under the NDC government which could not even support procurement of fuel to operate the power plants during its era.
“President Akufo-Addo has not found the means to secure fuel supplies over the last three and half years, but has also cleared all government’s owed ECG. We have fully redeemed over US$1 billion of debts accrued by John Mahama and the previous NDC government from Bulk Oil Distribution Companies,” he stressed.
To sustain cash flow in the energy sector and avoid further accumulation of debts, he said they are currently implementing the cash water-fall system.
Dr Amin also mentioned the provision of relevant national infrastructure for the energy sector including the gas reverse-flow project which now allows flow up 120mmscf of gas per day from Takoradi to Tema, thereby, reducing Ghana’s reliance on Nigeria gas.
He noted that the National Hybrid Power System, which is ongoing at Bui Dam and Pwalugu integrated project, which together will increase solar power penetration by 100MW, and move Ghana closer to the national renewable energy target in the generation mix.
According to him, the President Akufo-Addo-led NPP government is on course to building an energy economy, adding that it
has demonstrated unparallel dedication to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians.
“Fellow Ghanaians, as you continue to enjoy the electricity relief, remember that it takes a caring leader to show empathy to his fellow citizens in times of crisis, notwithstanding the cost. This could not have been possible under the John Mahama administration”, he observed.
Additionally, Dr Adam said President Akufo-Addo had demonstrated unparalled dedication to protecting the welfare of Ghanaians during this painful Covid-19 period, and has provided yet another relief package of free electricity to all lifeline customers and five percent reduction to all others.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com