Kwame Jantuah to Energy Minister-Designate: Prioritise solutions over blame
A member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, has called on the Energy Minister-designate, John Jinapor, to focus on resolving Ghana’s persistent energy challenges rather than engaging in political blame games.
Speaking during a panel discussion on TV3 in Accra on Friday, January 10, Mr Jantuah underscored the central role of the energy sector in driving the nation’s economy. He urged the incoming minister to act decisively and strategically.
“Ghanaians have expressed their dissatisfaction with the previous administration through the ballot box. Now, the responsibility rests with the current government to deliver. It’s time to move past political blame games,” Mr Jantuah said.
Praising Mahama’s energy management
Reflecting on President John Mahama’s approach to energy crises, Mr Jantuah commended the former leader’s track record, particularly his efforts to resolve the debilitating "dumsor" crisis before leaving office in 2017.
“I wasn’t surprised with President Mahama’s handling of this. Has he not seen it before? He resolved the ‘dumsor’ crisis before leaving office in 2017, and I was victimised for saying that. I knew he would rise to the challenge,” Mr Jantuah remarked.
He added that addressing the ongoing energy crisis requires significant investment and meticulous planning. “This year alone, we need over $1.27 billion in energy investments. Careful planning, transparent communication and a focus on solutions are non-negotiable,” he stated.
Opposition blamed for delays
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Communications Team, Fadh Osman, attributed the energy crisis to what he described as obstructionist tactics by opposition MPs in the 8th Parliament.
Mr Osman argued that delays in approving the 2025 first-quarter budget hampered the procurement of fuel essential for powering energy plants.
“Some of these issues could have been avoided if Parliament had approved the budget earlier. Unfortunately, delays by opposition MPs obstructed critical processes,” he claimed.
He also highlighted logistical challenges, stating, “Even when funds are available, the process of requisitioning, transporting and chemically treating fuel takes several weeks, further exacerbating the crisis.”
Mr Osman urged all stakeholders to prioritise national interests over partisan ambitions. “Our political ambitions should not come at the expense of the nation’s well-being. We must prioritise national interests over partisanship to resolve this issue,” he said.
Missed opportunities and transparency
Mr Jantuah countered Mr Osman’s claims, placing responsibility for the crisis on the previous government’s failure to act. He criticised the underutilisation of Ghana’s vast gas reserves, which he said could have mitigated current power shortages.
“The energy mix is overly reliant on gas, exposing us to vulnerabilities. We need sustainable solutions and increased investment in local production,” he argued.
He also raised concerns about the delayed maintenance of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPC), originally scheduled for October 2024 but postponed to January 2025.
Mr Jantuah questioned the reasons behind the postponement, calling for greater transparency. “Was the delay due to financial constraints or procurement challenges? These are the questions we need answers to,” he said.
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