My worry is that Mahama will inherit a very dilapidated, anaemic and paralyzed energy sector – J. Jinapor

John Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, has expressed deep concern over the current state of the energy sector in Ghana, describing it as "paralyzed" and unable to meet the needs of ordinary Ghanaians. He raised these concerns while addressing the press in Parliament on Tuesday, March 12.

John Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, has expressed deep concern over the current state of the energy sector in Ghana, describing it as “paralyzed” and unable to meet the needs of ordinary Ghanaians. He raised these concerns while addressing the press in Parliament on Tuesday, March 12.

Jinapor highlighted that the sector is facing significant challenges, including the inability of sector players to procure fuel and pay Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He emphasized his worries that if former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), were to win the 2024 elections, he would inherit a severely compromised energy sector.

One of the key issues Jinapor raised is the inability to account for an amount of 500 million Cedis under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM). This mechanism is designed to ensure the equitable distribution of energy sector revenues among stakeholders. However, Jinapor alleged that mismanagement and abuse of the mechanism have led to significant financial discrepancies, with over 500 million Cedis being used outside the intended framework.

Jinapor also criticized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for its handling of the power outages in the country. He disputed claims by ECG that the outages were solely due to technical challenges, asserting that they were primarily financial in nature. He cited a report indicating that ECG had failed to comply with the guidelines of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism, as directed by the President.

Furthermore, Jinapor highlighted delays in payments from the Ministry of Finance, which he claimed were exacerbating the financial challenges faced by the energy sector. He estimated that these delays, combined with outstanding payments from ECG, were contributing to fresh debts amounting to close to 2 billion Cedis.

In conclusion, Jinapor painted a grim picture of the energy sector under the current government, characterizing it as “collapsing” and “in a state of paralysis.” He called for urgent action to address the systemic issues plaguing the sector and ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply for all Ghanaians.