The minority in Parliament has dismissed President John Dramani Mahama’s assertions that his administration ended the power crisis, sometimes known as “dumsor,” in 2016.
Speaking to the press on Monday, March 3, former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam urged President Mahama to provide a load-shedding timetable as portions of the country continue to face inconsistent power supplies.
In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of his second term, President Mahama linked the current issues on the country’s massive energy debt.
However, Dr. Amin Adam refuted this claim, claiming that the previous administration, led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, successfully stabilised the electricity supply.
The Minority claimed that an established load-shedding schedule would help businesses and households to plan better, reducing economic losses.
“Mr. President, you did not fix ‘dumsor’ as you stated in your speech. Your record on ‘dumsor’ is awful, in contrast to your predecessor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who kept the lights on. As we return to ‘dumsor’, another Mahama term, Ghanaians remember with fear and anxiety the potential devastation this could cause for them and their businesses, particularly small businesses like hair salons, welders, dressmakers, and many others who make their living from these vocations,” Dr. Amin Adam stated.
The Minority emphasised that the recurrence of power interruptions is having a significant impact on small businesses that rely on consistent electricity, such as hair salons, welding shops, and dressmaking operations.
They also cited the growing reliance on generators in stores, clinics, and social gatherings as strong indication of worsening power supply concerns.
“Many people and businesses have already felt the pinch and suffering of dealing with the current ‘dumsor.’ Electric generators have also made a comeback in shops, clinics, and social events.
“Mr. President, this is the genuine status of our country! To alleviate the effects of these irregular power supply, we, the Mighty Minority, call on the government to publish a load-shedding timeline to help families and companies plan effectively and counterbalance some of the losses the economy is currently experiencing,” the Minority added.
