Former President John Dramani Mahama has blamed President Akufo-Addo’s government for the closure of Ghana’s Millennium Challenge Compact by the United States.
It has come to the notice that an amount worth $190 million the country negotiated for private sector participation in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact has been lost.
In March 2019, Ghana anticipated receiving funding amounting to approximately $190 million aimed at bolstering the long-term sustainability of infrastructure investments and facilitating the financial recovery of the energy sector. This funding was part of the second tranche of the MCC power compact.
However, the disbursement of funds was halted due to complications arising from a failed 20-year concession agreement involving Ghana’s Power Distribution Services (PDS).
The agreement was intended for PDS to assume the operation and management of the assets and staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The U.S. government suspended the transfer of funds, citing the central role of private sector participation in the MCC’s Ghana Power Compact. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) stated that there are no immediate plans to resume collaboration with Ghana.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Mahama who is the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), described the matter as “disheartening” adding that the Nana Addo and Bawumia’s corrupt government has become “yenkyendi” to wit [sharing and looting] and “cronyistic.”
He further described it unacceptable and assured that he would work diligently to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system, including metering, revenue management, and fault response.
He added he will use his office when elected as Ghana’s next President to ensure accountability in the electricity distribution system.
“I want to assure you that I will work diligently to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system, including metering, revenue management, and fault response. My administration will prioritise accountability and ensure a thorough investigation of the PDS scandal to hold those involved accountable,” he said in a post on Facebook.
Below is Mahama’s full post
Dear fellow Ghanaians,
It’s disheartening to learn that the $190 million we negotiated for private sector participation in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact has been lost due to Nana Addo and Bawumia’s corrupt, ‘yenkyendi’, and cronyistic governance practices.
This is unacceptable, and we deserve better as a people.
As I gear up to assume the presidency in January 2025, thanks to your votes and endorsement in this year’s election, I want to assure you that I will work diligently to enhance private sector efficiency in the electricity distribution system, including metering, revenue management, and fault response.
My administration will prioritise accountability and ensure a thorough investigation of the PDS scandal to hold those involved accountable.
We can work together to build a brighter future for Ghana’s power sector that benefits citizens and businesses.
Let’s stand together, fight against corruption and cronyism, and work towards building the Ghana we want.
