We’ve overcome ‘dumsor’ challenges – Mahama boasts

President John Mahama says enough hard work has been done to overcome the power challenges that bedeviled the country for the last three years.

Delivering what is likely to be his last State of the Nation Address Thursday, President Mahama said he had fulfilled his promise to Ghanaians of fixing the power challenges that is popularly referred to as ‘dumsor’

According to him, over 800 megawatts of power has been added to the national grid which he said is the “fastest mobilization of emergency power in the history of Ghana.”

“A year ago, I stood before this very august house and promised to fix the power sector deficit that at the time had become a significant constraint to the economic growth and a destruction to Ghanaians both home and at work. This was a time of considerable national anxiety.

The deficit brought about a severe power rationing and I was very much concerned. Ghanaians had to sleep in darkness or spend money to fuel generators. Businesses faced challenges, and I expressed my full regret to the nation and I took full responsibility as President and leader of this nation and commander in Chief. It has not been easy. It has been a year of hard work; Hard work that has made us to achieve the fastest mobilization of emergency power in the history of Ghana.”

“About 800 megawatts of power has been added to our generation within the shortest period of time. Fast-tracking the finalisation and commissioning of KTPP added 220 megawatts, Fast-tracking the commissioning of TICO’s combine cycle added 110 megawatts, mobilizing Karpower added another 220 megawatts, and Mr. Speaker, as I speak, Ameri is adding 250 megawatts extra power to our transmission grid. In addition, 180 of Asogli phase two is also available as soon as we can get extra gas for it.

“But much work still needs to be done to give us the comfort of sustainable generation going forward. I salute the former Power Minister Dr. Kwabena Donkor, and his Deputy Minister John Jinapor and their team of competent technical people. Mr. Armah Kofi Buah and his team at the Petroleum Ministry I salute them.

“I salute the CEOs and staff of the Energy Commission, PURC, Gridco, TICO, Ministry of Finance, ECG and others. It has taken teamwork and the cooperation of many people to achieve this success. I thank all who stood with me to overcome this challenge that our nation faced. I thank this august house for passing the agreements that made it possible for us to procure these additional plants.”