21 hours ago
John Abdulai Jinapor, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yapei-Kusawgu, has issued a stark warning regarding Ghana’s energy future, emphasizing the nation’s critical fuel shortage for power generation. Speaking on January 7, 2025, after the swearing-in of President John Mahama, Jinapor expressed his grave concern about the dwindling fuel reserves available to generate electricity. According to the MP, Ghana currently has only five hours of fuel left, which, if not replenished, will be depleted within two days. He attributed this dangerous situation to the failure of the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration to procure the necessary fuel supplies despite repeated calls and urgent requests for action. This failure, he claims, threatens to plunge the country back into the dreaded “dumsor” power outages, which have plagued Ghana in previous years.
Jinapor’s comments point to a lack of preparedness on the part of the current government to secure fuel for the country’s energy needs. He explained that the nation’s stockpiles of heavy fuel oil and diesel, crucial for thermal power generation, are woefully inadequate and will not last for more than two days. Without immediate intervention, Ghana faces the very real risk of power shortages, which would severely impact both daily life and economic activity across the country. Jinapor stressed that the absence of fuel procurement by the Akufo-Addo administration has put Ghana in a precarious situation, potentially derailing the country’s efforts to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply.
The situation is made even more alarming given the broader context of Ghana’s energy sector, which relies on a diverse mix of power sources, including hydropower, thermal energy, and renewable energy like solar. Historically, hydropower has been a significant contributor to Ghana’s energy supply, but due to changing rainfall patterns, its contribution has diminished in recent years. Consequently, thermal energy, which accounts for the majority of the nation’s electricity generation, is heavily dependent on imported fuel. Despite Ghana’s growing energy demand, driven by industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, fuel supply disruptions remain a recurring issue. Jinapor’s warning highlights how the country’s energy policies, aimed at balancing renewable sources and traditional power generation, face significant challenges when it comes to ensuring consistent fuel availability. Without swift action, the looming fuel shortage could escalate into a full-blown energy crisis, exacerbating the country’s power supply woes.
Total Comments: 0