Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to run a transparent and accountable government if re-elected as president. His statement comes in response to the United States’ decision to close Ghana’s Millennium Challenge Compact, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the Power Distribution Services (PDS) concession agreement.
In March 2019, Ghana was set to receive $190 million in funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to support the country’s energy sector and infrastructure development. However, the disbursement of funds was halted due to complications arising from the failed 20-year concession agreement involving PDS and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The U.S. government cited the importance of private sector participation in the MCC’s Ghana Power Compact and suspended the transfer of funds. In response, Mahama vowed to prioritize accountability and ensure a thorough investigation into the PDS scandal, holding those involved accountable.
In a statement on his X platform, Mahama said, “I want to assure you that I will work diligently to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system, including metering, revenue management, and fault response. My administration will prioritize accountability and ensure a thorough investigation of the PDS scandal to hold those involved accountable.”
Mahama’s full statement emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in governance, stating, “It’s disheartening to learn that the $190 million we negotiated for private sector participation in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact has been lost due to Nana Addo and Bawumia’s corrupt, ‘yenkyendi,’ and cronyistic governance practices. This is unacceptable, and we deserve better as a people.”
He concluded by calling on Ghanaians to stand together against corruption and cronyism, working towards building a brighter future for Ghana’s power sector that benefits citizens and businesses alike.
