Energy Ministry: Jinapor presented facts, didn’t engage in scaremongering

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has dismissed claims against Minister John Jinapor. They assert that his statements to Parliament were factual and transparent.

These allegations came from MP Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama. He accused Jinapor of using alarmist tactics during the power crisis. On Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Kabiru criticized the minister's fear-based messaging.

Kabiru stated, “Since he assumed office, it has been one alarm after the other.” He believes this approach allows Jinapor to award contracts without proper procurement processes.

He claimed over GH₵200 million worth of sole-sourcing occurred without following the right procedures. Kabiru urged Jinapor to stop scaremongering and promote hope instead.

In response, Richmond Rockson, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, refuted these claims. He insisted that Jinapor aimed to provide a clear overview of the energy sector's state.

Rockson explained that Jinapor spoke during a briefing on May 15. He addressed issues like Ghana’s rising energy sector debt of $3.1 billion as of December 2024. He also discussed concerns about fuel availability for thermal plants.

Rockson noted that at the time, there were only 2.6 days' worth of fuel left. However, he mentioned that fuel had already been procured. He criticized media reports for not capturing this important detail.

Rockson emphasized that Jinapor's statements called for deeper reforms in the energy sector. “We need sustainable ways to procure fuel,” he said. He added that structural reforms should be considered, including reviewing tariff structures currently before Cabinet.

He rejected Kabiru’s characterization of Jinapor’s remarks as fear tactics. Rockson reiterated the Minister’s commitment to transparency and truthfulness in his communications with Parliament.