The Minority in Parliament has cast doubt on the viability of President John Dramani Mahama’s much-touted 24-hour economy policy, warning that Ghana’s deepening power crisis makes the initiative untenable.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Hon. George Kwame Aboagye (MP for Asene-Akroso-Manso), said the ongoing electricity outages—reminiscent of the 2012–2016 dumsor era—are crippling the very sectors that would sustain a round-the-clock economy.
“How can a 24-hour economy survive when we can’t guarantee even 24 minutes of stable electricity? What we’re seeing isn’t progress—it’s a 24-hour blackout,” he stated.
The Minority accused Energy Minister John Jinapor of inciting fear and damaging investor confidence with what they described as reckless public statements. Specifically, they criticized the Minister’s claim that Ghana had only “2.6 days of fuel left,” calling it “baseless and economically irresponsible.”
“Such fear-mongering does nothing but rattle markets and discourage investment. Ghanaians need confidence and competence, not panic,” Aboagye said.
The Minority contrasted the current situation with what they called significant strides made under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration between 2017 and 2024. They pointed to the addition of 1,600 MW in power generation and several major transmission projects as evidence of effective management after the NPP inherited $2 billion in sector debt and costly take-or-pay contracts from the previous NDC government.
“The NDC came in promising to end dumsor, yet here we are—right back in the dark. And to make matters worse, consumers are paying 14.75% more for electricity but receiving even poorer service,” Aboagye said.
He warned that the patience of Ghanaians is wearing thin as unreliable power devastates businesses and daily life.
“The government’s honeymoon is over. Ghanaians are fed up with high tariffs and low output. Leadership requires solutions, not just statements,” he warned.
Calling for urgent action, the Minority urged the Energy Minister to seek assistance if needed and avoid signing what they described as “more dubious contracts or making empty promises.”
They reiterated their commitment to holding the government accountable and insisted that the return of dumsor is unacceptable at a time when bold economic visions are being touted.