Sceptics around fuel consumption

Ghana fuel consumption has increased dramatically since NPP government left office

and this has resulted in sceptics to those with fast memories to dig below surface

to find out the reason why this has happening to our dear country.

Former President of Ghana Mr J.A. Kufuor was interviewed in 2009 by one of the FM

radio Stations in Accra. The interview was concerning how he was able to manage his

tenure office

without any fuel shortages.

President Kufuor explained that he requested for 45,000 bpd credit from the former

president of Nigeria Mr Obasanjo but it was disagreed. Finally, Nigeria president

agreed to offer 30,000 barrels per day because, our state of economy in 2001 was

not in good shape.

According to CIA website, Ghana fuel consumption from

the year 2000 to 2008 was 45 to 47,000 barrels per day so President Kufuor was not

happy with the 30,000 bpd agreed to be given to him.

President Kufuor called it as "lifeline" because he knew for sure that it was not

enough but accepted that offer in order not to embarrass the country with fuel

shortages again.

In 2006, when Mr Kufuor was giving an account to his stewardship of the nation's

properties, he did mention our fuel consumption and thanked Mr Obasanjo for his 90

days credit facility to Ghana.

Mr Kufuor managed the lifline fuel of 30,000 barrels (pbd) till he left office and

Ghana did not experience any fuel shortages and nobody complained of fuel smuggling

to the neighbouring countries.

Immediately P/NDC government led by Prof Mills took over power, Ghana fuel

consumption was raised from 30,000 to 60,000 (pbd), why?

The sadest part of this issue is that there have been

consistent shortages of fuel in the country even though the quantity has been

doubled and we are paying for 60,000 barrels per day.

The question is, which area of the economy is consuming the added 30,000 barrels?

Will the government set up a commission to investitgate this matter?

It will be a credit to the government to explain to the whole nation why current

fuel consumption rate has been doubled and give reasons to substantiate his

explanation.

If the government of today closes a blind eye on this matter, then he is also

proving to be dishonest to the nation.

The government should also remember that when he is out of office, commission of

enquiry will be set up to investigate this matter and anyone found guilty will be

severely dealt with.