The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has warned of a potential power crisis in Ghana, urging the newly inaugurated Mahama administration to take urgent action to prevent widespread power outages, known locally as ‘dumsor.’

The warning follows concerns raised by John Abdulai Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, who highlighted a severe fuel shortage as the primary cause of the impending crisis. Speaking after the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on January 7, 2024, Jinapor revealed that Ghana’s fuel reserves are critically low, with only five hours of fuel supply remaining.

Jinapor criticised the outgoing administration for failing to secure enough fuel to sustain power generation, leaving the incoming government in a vulnerable position.

Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the IES, echoed these concerns, describing the country’s power sector as fragile and poorly planned. In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, he pointed to systemic inefficiencies, including Ghana’s heavy reliance on natural gas and the lack of backup fuel reserves, as factors contributing to the risk of power shortages.

Amoasi further expressed disappointment that no adequate fuel procurement or transition plans had been put in place to ensure a smooth power supply during the handover.

“It was expected that there would be some procurement or fuel lifting arrangements as part of the transition, but our checks indicate that we don’t have sufficient liquid fuel to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply,” Amoasi said.

The IES has called on the Mahama government to take swift action to address the situation and stabilise the country’s energy supply, warning that without immediate intervention, Ghana could face prolonged power outages.

Source:TheDotNews