The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, John Jinapor, has expressed concerns regarding the government’s management of funds collected under the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA).
The Minority in Parliament is demanding a thorough audit of Ghana’s energy sector to evaluate the extent of its mounting debt, which they claim has surpassed $2 billion.
John Jinapor specifically criticized the Ministry of Finance for failing to settle GH¢1.8 billion owed for electricity consumed by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) since August 2023.
This lack of payment, he argued, has significantly hindered the operational capabilities of the power sector.
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee emphasized that the escalating debt crisis is a direct result of the current administration’s financial mismanagement and warned that it could lead to severe repercussions in the future.
He accused President Akufo-Addo’s government of neglecting the energy sector, setting up a precarious situation for the next administration.
The Minority also expressed concerns that the government is planning to hand over a collapsed energy sector to former President John Dramani Mahama should he win the upcoming elections.
They believe addressing the debt and restoring the sector’s functionality must be prioritized to prevent further deterioration.
In light of these issues, the Minority is urging the government to take immediate action, including a comprehensive audit, to bring transparency and accountability to the energy sector.
They assert that without decisive measures, the challenges facing the sector will continue to escalate, posing significant risks to Ghana’s energy future.
“A lot of work awaits President Mahama when he assumes office’’.
The energy sector debt alone, based on our rough estimate, is around $2 billion as we speak.
They are misapplying the energy sector levy revenues and they are also misapplying the energy sector recovery levies,” he said.
Energy Sector Crisis: Sector will collapse if govt does not settle its debts to IPPs and stakeholders – Jinapor.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/lXPdXriegL
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) September 19, 2024
