The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has raised serious concerns about the debt burden affecting Ghana’s energy sector, stating that it poses a significant threat to the country’s economy.
Dr. Ato Forson warned that if left unaddressed, this debt could potentially lead to a complete collapse of the nation’s economy.
Speaking after President Akufo-Addo’s 2024 State of the Nation Address on Monday, March 11, the leader of the NDC Caucus in Parliament emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further deterioration in the situation.
He expressed concern that the Ghanaian population is already suffering from the current economic crisis and cannot afford additional disruptions in the energy sector.
“The reality, Mr Speaker, is that this crippling indebtedness and the mess in the power sector, created by the Akufo Addo/Bawumia government, remains the biggest threat to the Ghanaian economy,” he said.
“This Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government owes in excess of $1.5 billion to Independent Power Producers (IPPs),” he added.
Dr. Ato Forson criticized the Akufo-Addo government for its mismanagement of the energy sector since assuming office in 2017.
He highlighted the upcoming 2024 general elections as an opportunity for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to address these issues and restore stability to the sector.