Mahama says Ghana has no ‘dumsor’

President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that Ghana possesses sufficient electricity to cater to the nation's needs, and is no longer plagued by power interruptions, commonly referred to as 'Dumsor'. The improved electricity situation, according to Mahama, is a direct result of his administration's efforts in clearing the debt owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and implementing a new payment arrangement to ensure prompt payments for supplied power.

During a meeting with Ghanaian community members in Moscow, Russia, Mahama disclosed that his government inherited approximately $1.7 billion in debt from IPPs when it came into power. Additionally, the government also owed money for gas supplied from the Jubilee Field and by ENI, which had posed financial challenges for electricity generation companies.

Clearing these debts, Mahama explained, was crucial in reinstating confidence in power producers and averting potential power cuts. He emphasized that the country now has adequate power, stating, "There's no dumsor in Ghana." The President further revealed that the government has settled its outstanding debt to IPPs and is now making timely payments for the electricity supplied.

"I'm pleased to declare that we have cleared the IPP debt. That is, we are current. Any energy they supply today, we're paying them," he affirmed. Mahama also highlighted that the government has introduced a payment plan to settle the remaining financial obligations owed to energy suppliers. Initially, this plan requires making payments, with subsequent amounts due as they become due.

He further stated that this new arrangement has improved the relationship between the government and power producers, alleviating concerns of supply suspensions due to unpaid bills. Mahama concluded that these measures have bolstered the financial standing of the energy sector, contributing to a steady electricity supply across Ghana.