The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has strongly criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Mahama accused the NPP administration of undermining investor confidence in Ghana’s energy sector through opaque deals.
Speaking to petroleum ecosystem stakeholders in Accra on Friday, Mahama emphasized the sector’s decline under NPP’s leadership.
Despite inheriting substantial oil revenues, Mahama argued, the government has mismanaged the sector, pushing it to the verge of collapse.
Mahama vowed to revitalize the energy sector in his next administration, addressing the current challenges.
He highlighted specific issues, including a significant drop in crude oil production, which has decreased by over 30%.
Regulatory failures, such as the ENI unitisation dispute, have tarnished Ghana’s international reputation as an oil and gas nation.
Mahama also cited corruption scandals, including the sale of contaminated fuel and the questionable lease of TOR to Torentco.
These incidents, he noted, have eroded investor trust in the sector, prompting major oil companies to abandon Ghana.
Mahama concluded that many of these companies are relocating to neighboring Côte d’Ivoire, underscoring the urgent need for reform.