Pomadze, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing Ghana’s pressing challenges, particularly the nation’s energy crisis, during his first public engagement since his inauguration.
Speaking at the National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission on January 9, 2025, in Pomadze, Central Region, the President emphasized that his administration was elected to solve problems, not shift blame.
Inheriting a Strained Energy Sector
President Mahama acknowledged the significant challenges facing his new administration, highlighting the precarious state of the energy sector, which he described as heavily burdened with debt and nearing collapse.
“We inherited an energy sector riddled with challenges, and our immediate task is to ensure the lights stay on,” he stated.
The Fuel Supply Crisis
The President detailed the logistical hurdles in securing fuel for Ghana’s power plants.
“To prevent blackouts due to the loss of nearly 2,000 megawatts of power, we need to procure light crude oil, heavy fuel oil, and distillates. Unfortunately, provisions for this were not adequately made,” he explained.
He elaborated on the lengthy process involved: “When the fuel is ordered, it takes three weeks to import and another week and a half to treat it before it’s ready for use in the generating plants. This delay poses a significant threat to our power supply.”
Reassurance Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the challenges, President Mahama urged Ghanaians not to lose hope.
“Yes, there’s a threat of power outages, but my brothers and sisters, do not despair,” he said, exuding confidence in his administration’s ability to resolve the crisis.
Proactive Measures and Stakeholder Collaboration
To tackle the looming energy crisis, the President revealed that he had convened an emergency meeting with all stakeholders in the electricity value chain.
“Since yesterday, these stakeholders have been in continuous discussions, working tirelessly to develop innovative solutions to keep the lights on,” he shared.
He pledged to prioritize action over excuses. “You elected us to solve problems, not to pass blame or shoulder you with those problems. That is our solemn duty, and we will deliver,” he assured.
A Vision for a Brighter Future
President John Mahama expressed optimism about the progress made during the stakeholder meeting.
“With the ideas emerging from these discussions, I can assure you that we will keep your lights on. We are committed to ensuring that Ghana does not return to ‘dumsor,’ as you popularly call it,” he promised.
A Call to Action
The three-day Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission convention, chaired by Alhaj Maulana Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Mission, served as a platform for advocating justice, peace, and national development.
H.E President Mahama’s address resonated with the convention’s themes, reinforcing his administration’s resolve to overcome Ghana’s challenges through collaborative and innovative approaches.
The President’s words signaled a renewed sense of purpose, commitment, and hope for Ghanaians, affirming his dedication to solving the nation’s problems and ensuring a brighter future for all.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
