Accusations of employing ‘fear tactics’ regarding Ghana’s energy sector have been met with a strong response from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor. In a recent address, Jinapor clarified his approach to the nation’s energy challenges, emphasizing a commitment to strategic, solution-oriented interventions. He insists his presentations are based on facts, aimed at informing and prompting action rather than instilling fear. The minister outlined immediate measures, long-term initiatives, and provided a current snapshot of the energy landscape, all intended to stabilize Ghana’s power and fuel supply. His remarks, made in response to critics, including voices from Parliament, are at the heart of understanding the current direction of Ghana’s energy strategies.

The core of Jinapor’s defense rests on the assertion that transparency and proactive problem-solving are his guiding principles. This analysis aims to dissect Jinapor’s statements, providing a balanced perspective on the ongoing efforts to fortify Ghana’s energy sector. This commitment includes addressing immediate crises and laying the groundwork for sustainable progress in achieving Ghana’s energy strategies.

Minister Jinapor directly addressed claims that his communications constituted ‘fear tactics,’ particularly in response to figures like Walewale MP Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama. He firmly refuted these accusations, underscoring that the information he presented to Parliament’s Energy Committee on May 19, 2025, was rooted in factual data and actionable strategies. “I understand grumbling very well, and I don’t think that when you appear before a committee and you present facts, they term that as grumbling. Unless, as a minister, I needed to hide that fact,” Jinapor stated, emphasizing his duty to be transparent about the state of Ghana’s energy strategies.

According to Jinapor, his ministry has taken decisive actions to stabilize Ghana’s energy supply. These immediate interventions were critical to avert potential disruptions and ensure consistent power availability. He highlighted the resolution of a threatened shutdown by Karpowership as a prime example of proactive problem-solving. “The facts are that Karpowership threatened to shut down, and we resolved the matter; that is not grumbling, that is solving the problem. It is sitting around the table to find the solution,” Jinapor explained. Beyond this specific instance, the ministry has also focused on expanding generation capacity through the introduction of new power plants and initiating structural reforms within the energy sector to improve overall efficiency and reliability.

Looking ahead, Jinapor detailed several long-term strategic initiatives designed to create a more sustainable energy future for Ghana. A key component of this vision is reducing the nation’s reliance on liquid fuels by enhancing domestic gas processing capabilities. This shift aims to not only reduce costs but also bolster energy security by leveraging locally available resources. Additionally, the ministry is actively encouraging private sector involvement in electricity billing to improve revenue collection and reduce inefficiencies within the system. “ECG said they want private sector participation; we have inaugurated a committee, and they have done stakeholder consultation, and now we have to move on to implementation. That is not grumbling. It is dealing with the challenges,” he said, illustrating the practical steps being taken to address systemic issues and implement Ghana’s energy strategies.

Ghana’s current energy landscape presents a complex mix of challenges and opportunities. Among the most pressing challenges is the substantial debt owed to independent power producers and gas suppliers, which currently stands at $2.5 billion. The ministry aims to significantly reduce this debt by the end of 2025 through a combination of renegotiated contracts and improved payment schedules. Another key issue is the inefficiency of ECG, the state-owned electricity company, which suffers from revenue losses of approximately 40%. This has prompted serious considerations for greater private sector involvement to enhance operational efficiency and reduce financial losses. On the demand side, Ghana has experienced a surge in electricity consumption, with a system peak load of 3,952 megawatts recorded in December 2024, highlighting the need for continued investment in generation capacity to meet growing energy needs.

Minister Jinapor emphasized his unwavering commitment to transparency and a solution-oriented approach in addressing Ghana’s energy challenges. He highlighted his practice of providing Parliament with comprehensive fuel stock statistics and regular updates on fuel orders, ensuring that lawmakers are fully informed about the country’s energy reserves and supply chains. Jinapor also offered reassurance that Ghana is not currently facing an energy crisis, while openly acknowledging the existing challenges that need to be addressed proactively. “Parliament also wanted the statistics of all our fuel stocks, and I gave them to them. I also went further to say that we have ordered fuel, and we are getting those today, to replace what we have in stock… We are not in crisis; we are doing fairly well. Yes, we have challenges, but that is why we were voted into power—to solve those challenges,” he affirmed. This focus underscores the government’s commitment to improving Ghana’s energy strategies.

Minister Jinapor’s response provides insights into the government’s dedication to overcoming obstacles in Ghana’s energy sector through strategic initiatives and open communication. By addressing existing issues, he aims to dispel claims of fear-mongering and highlight a proactive approach focused on stabilizing the energy sector. Efforts to alleviate debt, enhance efficiency, and boost generation capacity are essential for Ghana’s sustainable energy future. While navigating these complex issues, the emphasis remains on implementing effective plans to secure a dependable power supply, solidifying Ghana’s energy strategies.