Dumsor: Jinapor admits to fuel supply challenges

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr. John Abu Jinapor, has admitted to fuel supply constraints while at the same time dismissing concerns of ongoing dumsor (persistent power outages).
His contradictory statements have sparked debate among Ghanaians who continue to experience frequent blackouts.
Addressing Parliament, the Energy Minister rejected calls for a load-shedding timetable, insisting that power supply remains stable under the Mahama-led administration.
However, in the same breath, he acknowledged that the country’s energy system is fragile due to fuel supply issues.
“The system is very fragile and weak, but we’ve been working around the clock to procure enough fuel and to make some payments to power suppliers to hold the system,” Mr. Jinapor admitted.
Govt’s inconsistent messaging on dumsor
The Mahama administration appears determined to convince Ghanaians that dumsor is not an ongoing issue, even as many continue to endure power outages.
This new stance is particularly striking, given that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) used dumsor as a campaign tool against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 elections.
Although the situation has not significantly improved, the government now insists that dumsor is not a reality—contradicting the lived experiences of Ghanaians.
This approach has fueled skepticism, as citizens find it difficult to reconcile the government’s claims with their daily struggles.
Mr Jinapor assured Ghanaians that the government was making efforts to procure additional fuel and settle outstanding debts owed to power producers.
However, his statement has done little to convince the public, who continue to grapple with intermittent power supply.

Load-shedding debate rages on
Despite widespread complaints of frequent outages, the Minister insisted that there was no need for a load-shedding timetable.
“Today, let me put on record that we are not shedding load, and so the demand by the Minority and some people that we publish a load-shedding timetable is mute,” he stated in Parliament.
His remarks have only deepened the controversy, as many Ghanaians experience power cuts without prior notice.
Critics argue that the government’s refusal to provide a schedule adds to the frustration, as businesses and households struggle to plan around the erratic electricity supply.

Power exports amidst local shortages
Adding to the confusion, Mr. Jinapor highlighted Ghana’s continued export of electricity to neighboring countries.
“We are exporting about 300 megawatts of power outside, including Burkina Faso, Benin, and other neighboring countries. And so obviously, when you have enough, you can export,” he stated.

This revelation has sparked outrage among the public, with many questioning why Ghana continues to sell electricity to foreign countries while local consumers suffer from unreliable power supply.
Critics argue that the government should prioritize domestic energy needs before fulfilling international contracts.

Public skepticism grows
The ongoing power crisis and the government’s conflicting statements have fueled growing distrust among Ghanaians. While officials insist that dumsor is a thing of the past, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Citizens are calling for more transparency and accountability from the Mahama administration.
Many believe that admitting the existence of the crisis and providing a clear road map to resolving it would be a more responsible approach rather than issuing contradictory statements that only deepen frustration.
As power outages persist, the government faces mounting pressure to provide concrete solutions rather than empty reassurances.
Whether or not the administration will take meaningful steps to address the crisis remains to be seen.