John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has hinted at the possibility of canceling an $800 million gas processing contract if elected as president, emphasizing the potential financial risks it could impose on the country.
Speaking during a community engagement at Town Council Line in the Greater Accra Region on September 28, Mahama expressed concerns over the government’s rush to sign the deal. He criticized President Akufo-Addo’s administration for attempting to push through the contract without proper legislative scrutiny, potentially binding Ghana to long-term obligations that could lead to financial losses.
He referenced allegations by John Jinapor, the Minority Spokesperson on Energy, who claimed that the CEO of Ghana National Gas was being pressured by the presidency to approve the deal without parliamentary oversight.
Mahama warned that the contract should not be signed behind closed doors, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability. He stated that if elected, his administration would scrutinize any such contracts and hold those responsible accountable if the state suffered losses.
“This $800 million gas processing contract must go to Parliament for approval. You cannot hide and sign this contract behind the people of Ghana. If it results in judgment debts, we will hold you to account. At this late stage of your government, you should not be signing contracts that bind the nation for years,” Mahama asserted.
He further stressed his commitment to canceling contracts that do not serve the best interests of Ghanaians and vowed to prioritize accountability if elected.
“I have promised the people of Ghana not just jobs and prosperity but also accountability. Any actions that are not in the interest of the good people of this country will not be allowed to proceed under my presidency,” Mahama concluded, signaling a strong intent to reverse the deal if it proves to be detrimental to Ghana’s future.
