The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has criticised President Akufo-Addo for the current power crisis plaguing many parts of the country.
Mr. Mahama attributed the renewal of the crisis to Akufo-Addo’s unwillingness to heed his advice regarding the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA).
He claimed that he had cautioned Akufo-Addo against meddling with the ESLA funds upon assuming office, warning that any diversion from its intended purpose could revive dumsor.
Addressing members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) on April 8, Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to hold President Akufo-Addo accountable if they experience power outages.
“I advised President Akufo-Addo not to tamper with ESLA, as it could potentially reignite dumsor,” he said.
In the peak of the power crisis under the Mahama administration, the NDC implemented the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) in 2015 as a measure to stabilize Ghana’s energy sector and mitigate the impact of the crisis.
The levy, which applied to petroleum products and electricity consumption, was intended to raise funds to settle all outstanding energy-related debts amounting to GH¢14 billion by the close of 2020.
Over the course of six years, ESLA amassed over GH¢30 billion. However, the Akufo-Addo government securitised and extended the levy until 2035.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
