Gov’t Has Spent $300M on Power Fuel but Is Failing to Keep the Lights On – Nsafoa Poku
NPP flagbearer hopeful Kwadwo Nsafoa Poku says technical mismanagement—not lack of funds—is to blame for ongoing power outages despite massive fuel expenditure.
- Over $300M spent on fuel
- Nsafoa Poku blames technical mismanagement
- Another major electricity tariff hike expected in Q4
Leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and flagbearer aspirant, Kwadwo Nsafoa Poku, has criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its handling of the country’s energy sector.
He alleged that despite spending close to $300 million on fuel for power plants since January, Ghanaians are still facing persistent power outages.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Show on Lawson TV Radio, Mr. Poku said the recent return of dumsor is not due to a lack of funds, as often claimed, but because of technical mismanagement.
“Anytime your power goes off, it is technical, not financial,” he stressed, adding that the sector’s failures have proven right the concerns he raised as far back as 2012.
He pointed out that even Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, admitted on his inauguration day that the country had only a three-day supply of fuel—despite reportedly receiving the necessary funds to make purchases.
“John Jinapor should sit and manage the sector,” Poku stated bluntly. “The power sector is not run by mouth and money alone. If you can’t manage it, it will fail.”
He further accused the NDC of failing to explain to the public that many of the outages are due to localized faults and not fuel shortages.
“This is a very technical area,” he said, “and if one part breaks down, the entire system is affected. The NDC is not telling Ghanaians the truth, and that has vindicated my earlier warnings.”
Mr. Poku also commented on the political dynamics surrounding energy pricing. He noted that Finance Minister Ato Forson, in his Mid-Year Budget presentation, directed an increase in gas prices to support cost recovery.
However, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) allegedly did not reflect this in its projections, citing political concerns. “Because of politics, PURC didn’t add it,” he claimed.
He warned that based on the current budget projections, Ghanaians should expect another major electricity tariff hike in the fourth quarter of the year.
With the phrase “3y3 Zu, 3y3 Za,” Poku mocked the confusion and lack of accountability surrounding the ongoing crisis.
“You can spend all the money, but if you don’t manage the system well, the lights will still go off,” he concluded.
