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.
