The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has cast serious doubt on the viability of President John Dramani Mahama’s much-touted 24-hour economy policy, fearing that Ghana’s deepening power crisis makes the initiative untenable.
The Mahama government, the minority noted, appears to be on an illusory path as the current energy supply cannot even support an 8-hour economy.
There have been frequent power outages in the country, compelling even Members of Parliament (MPs) of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to raise red flags over persistent and severe power outages.
This, according to them, is plaguing several constituencies across the country.
At a media briefing after a meeting between Parliament’s Energy Committee and key power agencies on May 17, 2025, MP for the Yilo Krobo Constituency in the Eastern Region; Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, MP for the Akan Constituency in the Oti Region, Yao Gomado; and MP for the Anlo Constituency in the Volta Region Richard Kwami Sefe each narrated how the erratic electricity supply is harming local economies and critical services such as hospitals, schools, and businesses in the respective constituencies.
Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey revealed that power outages in Yilo Krobo can last as long as three days.
“It has affected businesses. First of all, we have hospitals in the area, we have a university in the area, and sometimes the power goes off for two days or three days. So the key impact will be to the universities, to the hospitals, and to the other schools,” Mr Nyarkotey bemoaned.
Minority’s concerns
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament, Mr. George Kwame Aboagye who is also the Member of Parliament (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 the Minister for Energy, Mr 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.”
According to the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, “such fear-mongering does nothing but rattle markets and discourage investment. Ghanaians need confidence and competence, not panic.”
Mr Kwame Aboagye contrasted the current situation with what they called significant strides made under the NPP administration between 2017 and 2024.
He 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,” Mr. Kwame Aboagye decried.
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,” Mr Kwame Aboagye further 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.”
The group reiterated its 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.
