The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to provide a clear explanation for the resurgence of the erratic power supply, commonly known as “dumsor,” which is wreaking havoc on businesses and livelihoods across the country.
Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, made the appeal during a press briefing following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since assuming office on January 7, 2025.
Mr. Amoah pointed to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s final address before leaving office, in which he had proudly stated that Ghana had successfully overcome the energy crisis.
“In his last Statement of the Nation Address, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated and rightly so, ‘it is worth emphasizing that I inherited a nation plagued by dumsor, but I am very happy to say that I leave office in 2025 with the lights on.’ Sadly, after January 7, 2025, the Government of President Mahama has failed to keep the lights on,” he stated.
The MP dismissed the government’s justification that the current power crisis is due to maintenance on the West African Gas Pipeline, questioning why similar maintenance under the previous administration did not result in power outages.
“Several excuses have been given for the current excruciating dumsor – the latest being the current maintenance programme of the West African Gas Pipeline. We do not know whether, under the NPP government, the Gas Pipeline was going through similar maintenance. If so, why were the lights on, but cannot be on today because of the maintenance of the Pipeline?” he queried.
Mr. Amoah also highlighted the severe impact of the power outages on businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises that rely heavily on a stable electricity supply, such as dressmakers, ice water sellers, and hair salons.
He urged President Mahama to provide a clear, transparent explanation for the crisis and take immediate steps to resolve it.
“President Mahama needs to come clear on the real reasons for the current dumsor, which has created uncomfortable situations for businesses,” he asserted.
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