Former President John Mahama, the Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is raising alarms about the government’s handling of Ghana’s ongoing power crisis, indicating that current actions could profoundly impact a future NDC administration if they win the upcoming elections. In recent remarks made to supporters in Ehiamankyene within the Oti Region, he criticized the government for failing to release a load-shedding timetable, which he believes reflects a deliberate attempt to obscure the true extent of the power issues afflicting the country. Mahama specifically blamed the exit of Sunon Asogli, a significant player in the power supply sector, for exacerbating the situation, asserting that this shutdown has tightened the energy supply and led to a return of power outages commonly referred to as “dumsor.”
Mahama emphasized the notion that the current government is neglecting its responsibilities by not providing transparency regarding the energy crisis. He noted that, unlike during the NDC’s previous tenure when they introduced a systematic load-shedding schedule to effectively manage the situation, the present government is avoiding such measures out of fear of backlash. By not confronting the challenges head-on, Mahama believes that the government is allowing “dumsor” to re-emerge while simultaneously attempting to shift blame onto the NDC. He alleged that a significant obstacle for any prospective future administration would be a $2 billion debt handed over by the current government, a financial burden he argued would hinder efforts to stabilize and revitalize the energy sector.
During the address, Mahama shared his confidence in the NDC’s electoral prospects, specifically targeting the Greater Accra Region. He projected a margin victory of three hundred thousand votes, outlining a strategic plan to strengthen the party’s performance in the Volta and Oti Regions to boost overall electoral gains. Historical voting patterns indicate that while the NDC secured approximately eight hundred thousand votes in Volta during the previous election, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) garnered around one hundred thousand. Mahama expressed a direct intention to minimize NPP’s influence and voter share in these regions, suggesting that if the NDC can mobilize their base effectively, they can create a more significant lead in key areas.
Moreover, Mahama’s rhetoric reflects a critical view of how power management has evolved under the current administration. He contends that the government’s lack of honesty about the energy crisis has not only contributed to its worsening situation, but it also threatens to impose serious long-term challenges on any succeeding government. The projected $2 billion debt, alongside the immediate issues related to power supply, could potentially set back recovery initiatives and complicate efforts aimed at restoring stability and reliability within the energy sector.
Amidst these discussions, Mahama’s statements are indicative of a broader political strategy aimed at constructing a narrative of accountability and foresight. By communicating these points to his supporters, he seeks to illustrate the urgent need for a change in governance while framing the NPP’s management of the power sector as neglectful and irresponsible. The idea is to rally voters around the NDC, portraying the party as a capable alternative that could rectify the energy crisis and bring about positive change.
In summary, Mahama’s address encapsulates not just a critique of the government’s current power management strategy but also serves as a rallying call for the NDC ahead of the December 7 elections. His confidence in achieving a significant electoral victory, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, is underscored by a strategic focus on boosting local support in regions that have historically leaned heavily toward the NDC. As the election approaches, the framing of the energy crisis as both an immediate and a long-term challenge is likely to be a cornerstone of Mahama’s campaign as he positions the NDC as the party capable of effectively addressing and overcoming these pressing issues.
