Former President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the mismanagement of revenues generated from Ghana’s Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA), claiming the funds were diverted from their intended purpose.
Speaking to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Accra on Monday, January 13, Mahama asserted that the ESLA funds, which were meant to address the country’s growing energy sector debts, had been misused by the current government. “After we passed it and left office in December, the new government came in and had other ideas. Unfortunately, one of the outcomes was that ESLA was not used for its intended purpose. The revenues were mismanaged, and instead of paying down the accumulated debts, they were used for other purposes,” Mahama said.
The ESLA, introduced in 2015 during Mahama’s presidency, was designed to help pay off mounting energy sector debts, stabilize the industry, and ensure a reliable power supply. However, Mahama’s comments highlight ongoing challenges in the sector, with Independent Power Producers still struggling with unpaid arrears.
The former president stressed the need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public funds to restore confidence in the energy sector. He assured the IPPs of his administration’s commitment to resolving the sector’s financial issues and fostering a more sustainable energy environment.
Source:TheDotNews