Energy Ministry dispels scaremongering claims against John Jinapor

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has rejected claims against Minister John Jinapor.

They say he is not inciting fear about the country's power issues.

The Ministry insists his statements to Parliament are based on facts. They aim to promote transparency regarding energy sector challenges.

These allegations came from MP Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama. He spoke during an interview with Channel One TV on May 17. Mahama accused Jinapor of spreading alarmist narratives.

He claimed the Minister's communication style relies on fear tactics. This, he argues, allows Jinapor to bypass standard procurement protocols under urgency.

Mahama stated, “He’s been issuing one alarm after another.” He believes this creates a false sense of emergencies for sole-sourcing contracts.

He also mentioned that over GH¢200 million in contracts were awarded without due process. Mahama urged Jinapor to stop scaremongering and become a "hope monger."

In response, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richmond Rockson, denied these claims.

He emphasized that Jinapor provided an honest account of Ghana’s energy sector situation.

Rockson said the Minister aimed to inform Parliament, not induce panic.

He pointed out that Jinapor discussed urgent issues like rising energy sector debt. As of December 2024, this debt was $3.1 billion.

Rockson also noted concerns about fuel availability for thermal power plants. At one point, there were only 2.6 days of fuel left.

However, he added that fuel had since been procured. Unfortunately, media reports largely omitted this detail.