Aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Edem Segbefia, has called on party grassroots to champion the achievements of the John Dramani Mahama administration, highlighting what he described as the remarkable turnaround of Ghana’s energy sector since the NDC returned to office.
Addressing party faithful during an interactive engagement in parts of the Volta Region, Dr. Segbefia said the Mahama administration had transformed an energy sector that was “on its knees” into one that is regaining stability and investor confidence.
“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. Before we took power, these institutions were on their knees. Today, the government has changed the narrative and brought hope back to the sector,” he stated.
Dr. Segbefia said one of the administration’s most significant achievements has been restoring financial stability within the energy sector.
According to him, the government has settled more than GH¢80 billion in energy sector debt arrears, including approximately US$1.47 billion paid in 2025 to clear inherited obligations and stabilize the sector. He noted that the administration also settled US$393 million in legacy debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), fully restored the US$500 million World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee for gas payments to ENI, and cleared outstanding gas invoices of about US$500 million.
“Today, Ghana is paying for every gas we consume, and government has made provisions for timely LNG payments going forward. This is restoring confidence among our partners and ensuring uninterrupted electricity generation,” he said.
Dr. Segbefia further praised the government’s renegotiation of Independent Power Producer agreements to secure better value for money, while engagements with Tullow Oil and Jubilee Field partners have established a roadmap for timely gas payments and increased domestic gas production to reduce dependence on expensive liquid fuels.
On petroleum sector reforms, he said the revival of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) marked another milestone.
“Government completed the turnaround maintenance of TOR and announced that the refinery would begin processing Ghanaian crude oil.
Combined with the stability of the cedi and lower global crude oil prices, this has contributed to significant reductions in fuel prices.”
He noted that petrol prices had declined from about GH¢14.80 per litre in early 2025 to around GH¢10.99 per litre by February 2026.
Dr. Segbefia also highlighted reforms at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), where strategic fuel reserves are being strengthened, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), where a single holding account jointly supervised by the Ministry of Energy and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has been established to reduce revenue leakages.
He said the government has also implemented the cash waterfall mechanism to prioritize debt payments, reduce wasteful expenditure, and tackle commercial and technical losses that previously undermined the financial health of the sector.
To cushion Ghanaians against fluctuations in global oil prices, Dr. Segbefia noted that President Mahama directed the temporary removal of selected petroleum taxes and levies, deployed 100 Metro Mass Transit buses on major routes at reduced fares, and maintained the ban on fuel allowances for ministers and senior government officials.
He added that prudent contract management and structural reforms have already generated savings of approximately US$250 million while laying the foundation for a more sustainable energy sector.
Dr. Segbefia said the administration also took proactive emergency measures to maintain stable electricity supply by securing emergency fuel stocks during maintenance works on the West African Gas Pipeline, ensuring continued power generation until Nigerian gas supplies resumed.
Summarizing the government’s achievements, he said the Mahama administration had successfully moved Ghana’s energy sector “from crisis to stability” through debt clearance, restoration of investor guarantees, contract renegotiations, the revival of TOR, reforms at ECG, and targeted interventions to reduce fuel prices.
Turning to party matters, Dr. Segbefia urged NDC members to remain united and actively communicate the government’s achievements to Ghanaians.
“Comrades, if the government is working to improve the lives of the people, it gives us a massive opportunity to stay in power for long and staying in power benefits all of us. The grassroots are always the first to feel the impact when the NDC is in government.”
He acknowledged that party supporters have high expectations but appealed for patience and continued commitment. “I know we have huge expectations, and rightly so. But let’s keep supporting the government to deliver on our promises. 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.”
Dr. Segbefia concluded with a rallying call to party members to remain steadfast in defending the government’s record.
“Let’s keep supporting the government, defend its work, and stay focused. Our faith and sacrifice will not be in vain. Forward ever, backward never. NDC lives, Ghana wins.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
