Ranking Member on Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor, has issued a stark warning about the precarious state of Ghana’s energy sector, cautioning that it is on the brink of collapse if immediate action is not taken. According to Jinapor, who is also the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, chronic mismanagement, inefficiency, and mounting debt have left the sector struggling to meet demand, with dire consequences looming if these issues go unaddressed.

Jinapor raised these concerns during a recent parliamentary session, where he highlighted several challenges crippling the sector, including high levels of debt owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), unpaid subsidies, and a lack of investment in energy infrastructure. He explained that unpaid debts have led some IPPs to consider shutting down power supply to the national grid, a move that could plunge the country into another bout of prolonged power outages, or “dumsor.”

"The energy sector is in crisis The energy sector is on the verge of collapsing. "Without urgent intervention, we may face another power crisis, which would be devastating for households, businesses, and the overall economy."

Jinapor also criticized what he described as poor planning and inconsistent policy decisions by the government, which he claims have worsened the sector's financial instability. He called on the government to prioritize the sector’s debt obligations and to adopt sustainable policies to prevent an energy crisis, urging officials to devise a clear and transparent roadmap to address the looming challenges.

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections, energy stability has become a critical issue, with citizens and businesses alike expressing concern over potential disruptions. Jinapor’s comments underscore the need for urgent reforms to secure a reliable power supply and sustain economic growth.