Dr. Stephen Amoah
The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Mahama to explain the ongoing power outages, known as “dumsor,” which are severely affecting businesses across the country.
Dr. Stephen Amoah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, raised the issue during a press briefing following President Mahama’s first State of the Nation Address since taking office in January 2025.
Dr. Amoah criticised the current administration for failing to maintain a stable power supply, despite former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s assertion in his final address that the energy crisis had been resolved.
He pointed out that, under Akufo-Addo, the lights were on, but since Mr. Mahama assumed office, the power cuts have returned.
“In his last State of the Nation Address, former President Akufo-Addo said, ‘I leave office in 2025 with the lights on.’ Unfortunately, since January 7, 2025, the lights have gone off again,” Dr. Amoah said.
The Nhyiaeso MP also questioned the government’s explanation that the outages are due to maintenance on the West African Gas Pipeline.
He asked why similar maintenance under the previous administration did not result in power disruptions.
“Excuses are being made, but we do not know why the NPP government managed the Gas Pipeline maintenance without affecting power supply,” he remarked.
Dr. Amoah emphasised the significant impact of the power outages on small businesses, such as dressmakers, ice water sellers, and hair salons, which rely on a stable electricity supply.
He called on President Mahama to provide a clear and transparent explanation for the crisis and to take immediate action to resolve it.
“President Mahama must clarify the real reasons for the power crisis, which is making life difficult for businesses,” he added.
Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House