Energy Ministry Says NAPO was Misconstrued On Dumsor Comment
The Ministry of Energy has released a rebutting statement following public backlash at the sector Minister’s apparent rude demeanour towards some reporters who approached him for an interview during the New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional Campaign Team on March 24, 2024.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh during the interview on the sidelines of the programme exhibited some rude expressions coupled with some distasteful comments that have since been condemned by the public.
A section of Ghanaians deems the comment of the Minister reflects his insensitivity to the plight of Ghanaians
Reacting to the various concerns raised, the Ministry said he has been misconstrued.
“The Honourable Minister has always been sensitive to the plight of the Ghanaian people and continues to ask for their forbearance, as has always been the case when challenges relative to power stability emerge.”
“The Minister’s comparison of the current energy sector to the one under former President John Mahama, where Ghanaians reeled under pervasive ‘Dumsor’ for 4 years, comes on the back of recent similar calls in the media space by the NDC Flagbearer for a load management time table. This call, in the view of the Minister, is borne out of the quest to score cheap political points. A careful listen of the interview will show that the comparative template was set by the interviewer.
“In the said clip, the Minister is clearly seen straining his voice because of the obviously noisy background, in order to be heard by his interviewer. This has unfortunately been misconstrued. Dr. Prempeh is known to be very media friendly.”
Background
The Minister during the interview which solely centered on the recent power outages in the country said the energy sector under the Akufo-Addo-led government is much better than the erstwhile Mahama administration.
“If you are comparing four years, the NPP administration is 300 times better than John Mahama.”
On the intermittent power supply, he replied, “I’ve promised we are going to work on it. It’s a single event. It’s a process and we will continue to work on it for the energy sector to become better.”
Asked about his view on the increasing demand for a load shedding timetable, the Minister known as NAPO snarled, “Ask those who want it to bring it if there is. I haven’t seen any timetable. So if you say I have to bring a timetable what do you mean? The ECG says there is no timetable coming so why do you want a timetable.”
