An aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a remarkable turnaround in Ghana’s energy sector, urging party grassroots supporters to continue backing the government as it delivers on its promises.
Speaking during an interactive engagement with NDC members in parts of the Volta Region, Dr. Segbefia said the Mahama administration inherited an energy sector burdened by debt, operational inefficiencies, and uncertainty, but had successfully restored stability and confidence through bold reforms and prudent management.
“Comrades and fellow faithful, I bring you greetings and an update on the work His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is doing to fix the energy sector, a sector that touches every home, every business, and every community,” he told party supporters.
According to Dr. Segbefia, the government has settled more than GH¢80 billion in energy sector debt arrears since assuming office, including approximately US$1.47 billion paid in 2025 to clear inherited obligations and restore confidence among stakeholders.
He noted that the administration had settled US$393 million in legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and fully restored the US$500 million World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee that supports gas payments to ENI.
“Today, Ghana is current on its gas obligations, and the government is paying for every gas we consume while ensuring timely LNG payments going forward,” he stated.
Dr. Segbefia further highlighted the government’s renegotiation of IPP contracts to secure better value for money and engagements with Tullow Oil and Jubilee Field partners aimed at ensuring reliable gas supply for electricity generation.
Touching on developments at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), he announced that the refinery is expected to begin processing Ghanaian crude oil in June 2026 following successful maintenance works and phased operational restoration.
“The revival of TOR, coupled with the stability of the cedi and lower global crude oil prices, has contributed significantly to reductions in fuel prices across the country,” he said.
He pointed out that petrol prices had declined from about GH¢14.80 per litre in early 2025 to approximately GH¢10.99 per litre by February 2026.
Dr. Segbefia also praised efforts to strengthen the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), describing its repositioning as critical to enhancing Ghana’s strategic fuel reserves and energy security.
On reforms within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), he explained that the government had introduced a single holding account jointly supervised by the Ministry of Energy and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to curb revenue leakages and improve accountability.
He said additional measures, including the enforcement of the cash waterfall mechanism and efforts to reduce commercial and technical losses, were helping to improve the financial health of the sector.
Dr. Edem Segbefia further cited targeted interventions introduced to cushion Ghanaians from rising fuel costs, including the temporary removal of selected petroleum taxes and levies and the deployment of additional Metro Mass Transit buses on major routes at reduced fares.
According to him, energy sector reforms and improved contract management have already generated savings estimated at US$250 million.
Dr. Segbefia stressed that emergency measures adopted during maintenance works on the West African Gas Pipeline helped avert power shortages and ensured continued electricity supply across the country.
Summarizing the administration’s achievements, he said the government had successfully moved the energy sector from crisis to stability through debt settlement, contract renegotiation, institutional reforms, and strategic investments.
“The Mahama administration has moved the sector from crisis to stability by paying arrears, restoring guarantees, renegotiating contracts, reviving TOR, reducing leakages at ECG, and providing targeted relief on fuel prices,” he said.
He urged NDC supporters to remain united and continue promoting the government’s achievements, arguing that sustained support would strengthen the party’s chances of retaining power and delivering more benefits to Ghanaians.
“If the government is working to improve the lives of the people, it gives us a massive opportunity to stay in power for long. The grassroots are always the first to feel the impact when the NDC is in government,” he noted.
Acknowledging the expectations of party supporters, Dr. Segbefia called for patience and unity, assuring them that the government’s reforms would ultimately yield greater benefits for all.
“Before we took power, these sectors were on their knees. Today, the government has changed the narrative. With a little bit of patience and unity, all of us will benefit from the power we hold. Let us continue supporting the government, defending its work, and staying focused. Our faith and sacrifice will not be in vain,” he concluded.
He ended his address with the NDC’s traditional rallying call: “Forward ever, backward never. NDC lives, Ghana wins.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
