Ernest Owusu Bempah, Head of Corporate Communication at Ghana Gas, has expressed apprehensions about the potential resurgence of power outages, commonly known as “dumsor,” and the sustainability of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program under the impending administration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama. Speaking on Oyerepa FM, Bempah, citing his involvement in the energy sector, predicted imminent challenges in the power supply and overall economic hardship. He further speculated about potential funding issues for the Free SHS program, suggesting that the incoming administration might struggle to maintain its current form. Bempah’s comments paint a bleak picture of the future under Mahama’s leadership, asserting that there will be “nothing new under the sun.”
President-elect Mahama, however, acknowledges the economic hurdles his administration will inherit from the outgoing Akufo-Addo government. He specifically pointed to the precarious state of the energy sector, characterizing it as requiring “urgent surgery” to avert a complete collapse. Mahama highlighted a substantial debt burden of USD 2.5 billion within the energy sector, compared to a bailout of only USD 3 billion, suggesting that this financial strain could undermine any progress made in other economic areas. He accused the current administration of attempting to portray a more positive economic picture than reality warrants and pledged to “open the books” upon assuming office to reveal the true financial situation to the Ghanaian public. This transparency, he believes, will help the public understand the necessary measures his administration will have to implement to address the economic challenges.
The divergent perspectives of Owusu Bempah and President-elect Mahama highlight the complex and potentially contentious energy situation facing Ghana. Bempah’s pronouncements, while lacking specific details, reflect a concern within the energy sector about the incoming administration’s ability to maintain a stable power supply. His comments also touch upon the broader economic challenges, potentially impacting social programs like Free SHS. Mahama, on the other hand, acknowledges the economic difficulties but attributes them to the legacy of the previous administration. His promise of transparency and corrective action aims to reassure the public of his commitment to addressing these inherited problems.
The debate over the energy sector’s future and the sustainability of Free SHS underscores the critical importance of these issues to the Ghanaian public. Reliable electricity is crucial for economic development and the overall well-being of citizens. Similarly, access to free senior high school education is a significant social program with far-reaching implications for the nation’s future. The contrasting viewpoints of Bempah and Mahama set the stage for a period of intense scrutiny of the incoming administration’s policies and actions in these critical areas. The public will be keenly observing how Mahama tackles the energy sector’s debt burden and ensures the continued viability of Free SHS.
The success or failure of Mahama’s administration in addressing these challenges will likely significantly impact public perception and his political standing. The energy sector, in particular, represents a significant vulnerability. Mahama’s ability to navigate the complex financial landscape and prevent the return of “dumsor” will be a key test of his leadership. Similarly, maintaining the Free SHS program while addressing broader economic concerns will require careful balancing and prioritization. The coming years will reveal whether Mahama can fulfill his promise of transparency and effectively manage these complex issues.
Ultimately, the future of Ghana’s energy sector and the Free SHS program hinges on the decisions and actions of the incoming administration. The contrasting predictions and pronouncements from figures like Owusu Bempah and President-elect Mahama underscore the high stakes involved. The public’s expectations are high, and the government’s ability to deliver on its promises will be closely monitored. The coming years will be a critical period for Ghana, as the nation grapples with these economic and social challenges and charts its course for the future.
