President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has associated the erratic power supply, notoriously known as “dumsor,” with former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. Speaking during his “Thank You” tour in the Northeast Region, Akufo-Addo noted that each president in Ghana’s Fourth Republic is remembered for their notable achievements.
Jerry John Rawlings is credited with decentralizing government, John Agyekum Kufuor with implementing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and Akufo-Addo himself with introducing Free Senior High School (SHS). However, Mahama’s tenure is marred by the challenges Ghanaians faced, particularly the power crisis.
“When you mention the name of JJ Rawlings, District Assemblies come to mind. When you mention the name of John Agyekum Kufuor, the National Health Insurance Scheme comes to mind, when you mention Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Free Senior High School comes to mind but when you mention John Mahama, Dumsor, Dumsor, Dumsor ever we hear,” Akufo-Addo stated.
Akufo-Addo emphasized that re-electing Mahama would not be in the country’s best interest. “We want someone who is going to take our country forward not backwards.”
Notably, the power supply issues began under Kufuor’s leadership but escalated during Mahama’s administration, leading to widespread unpopularity. In contrast, Mahama has pledged to address low voltage issues in communities like Atebubu, Yeji, Bimbilla, and Yendi by constructing new electricity substations along the eastern corridor.