Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has criticized the previous NPP administration. He called their spending in the energy sector reckless. Nearly $7 billion was spent in eight years just to “keep the lights on.”
Dr. Forson spoke during a post mid-year budget review on CTV’s morning show. He questioned why such a large amount was spent without sustainable initiatives for the sector.
He noted that the energy sector is distressed and needs about GH¢28 billion annually, or $2 billion, to maintain power supply. He blamed this situation on mismanagement by the former NPP government.
“The Electricity Company of Ghana continues to post significant losses,” he said. These losses exceed averages among ECOWAS member states and pose risks for securing fuel for Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Dr. Forson expressed shock at the level of recklessness handed over to the NDC government. He described the economy inherited by President John Dramani Mahama as “aggressively damaged” and needing urgent repair.
“As a government, we had no choice but to intervene,” he stated. He highlighted staggering debt levels affecting sectors like cocoa, roads, and contractor payments.
He also mentioned that the government payroll was bloated with unverified employees, raising public wage costs significantly. Dr. Forson labeled the economy left by former President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as a “procurement economy.”
“They only procured—procured everything and manufactured nothing,” he asserted.
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