John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stern warning to the current government regarding the signing of a new energy contract valued at $800 million. He questions the rush to sign the contract for the second gas trail, considering the government’s lack of investment in extra gas over the past eight years ¹.
Mahama suspects that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is eager to commit to the contract to reap personal benefits, disregarding the potential long-term consequences for the nation. He emphasized that any financial loss to the state resulting from this contract would lead to investigations and prosecutions.
The Minority spokesperson on energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, also expressed concerns that the government is attempting to bypass parliamentary approval by using a Ghanaian company as a front. This move would enable the contract to be treated as an international agreement, avoiding scrutiny
Mahama’s concerns are rooted in the potential for judgment debt and the lack of transparency in the contract. He argues that the contract’s value warrants parliamentary approval to ensure accountability and protect the nation’s interests.
Key Concerns Raised by Mahama:
- Lack of Transparency: The contract’s value and terms are not transparent, raising concerns about potential corruption.
- Judgment Debt: The contract may lead to significant financial losses for the state.
- Bypassing Parliamentary Approval: The government’s attempt to use a Ghanaian company as a front to avoid parliamentary scrutiny.
Mahama’s warning comes as the NPP-led government is nearing the end of its term, and the opposition NDC is gearing up for the 2024 elections.
Story by: Patrick Asford Boadu
