Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, an energy analyst and a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has dismissed claims by Minister-Designate for Energy, John Jinapor, about the state of Ghana’s energy sector.
Speaking on Neat FM, Poku stressed the importance of focusing on facts rather than politics to address the ongoing challenges. “We need to stop politicizing the energy sector. Ghanaians deserve to know the truth, and that truth is that the challenges have been with us for years and need urgent attention,” he remarked.
Poku specifically rejected Jinapor’s statement that the NPP left insufficient fuel for electricity generation, arguing that Ghana’s energy mix relies heavily on thermal power. “About 75% of our electricity comes from thermal plants, while 25% comes from hydro.
The claim of insufficient fuel doesn’t align with the reality on the ground. The issue is not just about fuel; it’s about managing the deficits and ensuring sustainability,” he explained.
Reflecting on the political nature of energy debates, Poku highlighted the tendency for opposition parties to critique without offering lasting solutions.
“When we were in power, the opposition interpreted energy challenges differently. Now they are in power, and they’re making excuses. But excuses won’t solve the problem. During our tenure, we faced challenges, yet we ensured Ghanaians had power,” he stated.
Poku also expressed his concern about the current administration’s reliance on expensive fuel for electricity generation.
“Why are we relying on costly fuel when we can manage the situation better? This approach is unnecessary and unsustainable. It’s placing an undue burden on the system and the economy,” he pointed out.
He urged the government to take decisive and practical action to stabilize the energy sector.
“The new administration must focus on solutions. Stop the blame game and work on strategies that ensure consistent power supply.”
