We would make sure that your lights stay on and that we do not have dumsor - Prez Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama, has assured Ghanaians that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure a stable power supply, vowing to prevent intermittent power outages, commonly referred to as "dumsor".
“So there is a threat of power outages but my brothers and sisters don’t despair, like I said, you elected us to solve your problems and not to put the blame on anybody,” he said.
President Mahama explained that the threat of power outages was due to inadequate provision for fuel, including light crude oil, heavy fuel oil, and distillate fuel, needed as an alternative to power thermal plants while gas supply to the plants are cut off to allow scheduled maintenance work on the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGPL).
He explained that the procurement of fuel for that purpose was supposed to be made ahead of time as it takes approximately three weeks to procure and an additional week and a half to treat before use.
The President was speaking today (January 9, 2024) at the Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, known as the Jalsa Salana at the Mission's Farms at Gomoa Pomadze, near Winneba Junction.
Watch the video below;
"You elected us to solve the problems, not to put the blame on anyone else. We will make sure your lights stay on and that you don’t have dumsor” - President John Dramani Mahama#TV3GH pic.twitter.com/QktLtj5piE
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 9, 2025
Gathering
Thousands of Muslims clad in flowing white and colourful robes and elegant hijabs gathered at Pomadze for the conference which was the 92nd edition of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, a joyous celebration of faith, unity, and spiritual growth.
The Convention, which brought together over 5,000 Ahmadi Muslims, traditional leaders, and esteemed guests, was held under the theme "Justice And Peace - The Essential Ingredients For National Development."
The President was accompanied by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketia, NDC Council of Elders chairman, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Secretary to the President, Dr Calistus Mahama, and Member of Parliament for Asutifi South Constituency, Collins Dauda.
Progress
In addition to addressing the power outage concerns, President Mahama also reaffirmed his commitment to the free Senior High School (SHS) program.
He acknowledged the challenges facing the program, including overcrowding, and pledged to work towards resolving these issues to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Mr Mahama also touched on a number of promises he made to Ghanaians during the 2024 election campaign and emphasised the need to tackle the problems facing the economy head-on.
He promised to roll out the 24-hour economy policy, expand the tax net to bring in more taxpayers from the informal sector and prudently manage the economy to restore it back onto a path of growth.
“We shall pass a code of conduct for our public offers and they will comply,” he said.
The president also reiterated his commitment to operationalize ‘Oral’ to investigate and recover all public resources misappropriated.
To the members of the mission, Mr Mahama promised to restore the Pomadze poultry farms to its glory days.
“I want to make the Ahmadiyya the biggest chicken producers in Ghana,” he said.
Peace and Justice
The Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana, Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, emphasised the need for justice and peace in Ghana's national development.
Speaking at the convention, Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih stressed that justice and peace are essential ingredients for national development.
Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih drew parallels between the historical Magna Carta of 1215, which established legal rights and principles to curb the misuse of power, and Ghana's current societal challenges.
"If it is true that history repeats itself, and that history has any lessons for us to learn from, I dare say that the societal challenges that called for the birth of the Magna Carta of England in 1215 are the same societal ills that have so far plagued the governance of Ghana today,” he said.
He emphasised the need for pragmatism, facts, and justice, quoting an American singer's phrase, "Money can't buy me love."
The Ahmadiyya Muslim leader also referenced the community's Centenary Celebrations and the 18-point Magna Carta presented by the World Spiritual Head, emphasising the community's commitment to justice, peace, and national development.
Purpose
According to the organizers, the primary purpose of the Convention was to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits.
The participants, it’s believed, may enhance their knowledge and - due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, The Exalted - their perception [of Allah] may progress.
To members of the mission, among its secondary benefits is that the congregational meeting promotes mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within the community.