The Minority in Parliament has called for high-level accountability following a fire at the Akosombo Hydroelectric Plant. They state that both the Energy Minister and the President must face scrutiny. This call comes after a directive for the CEO of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside. The fire has caused disruptions to electricity supply across several parts of Ghana.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, stated that accountability should not stop at agencies like GRIDCo or the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). He argued that the conditions for critical national infrastructure deterioration were created by government policies. The Minority believes issues such as delays in the Energy Sector Recovery Plan (ESRP) and unpaid debts to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are policy-driven. They are not simply the fault of technical managers.
This incident highlights deeper problems within Ghana's energy sector. Such challenges require comprehensive reforms, not just administrative actions. The Minority pointed to poor maintenance and weak safety protocols. They believe these issues fall under government oversight. The group states they do not oppose investigations. However, they caution against symbolic actions and premature conclusions about the Akosombo fire.
“Any inquiry into events and critical national infrastructure must be thorough and transparent,” Adomako-Mensah said. “If negligence, dereliction of duty, or any culpable conduct is found, those responsible must face the full force of the law.” He warned that suspending officials should not replace a deeper examination of policy failures. Suspending officials must not act as a substitute for real accountability.
The Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, had previously directed the GRIDCo CEO to step aside. This was pending a full investigation into the fire. The Akosombo Power Control Centre's damage has affected power evacuation. The Minority insists that investigations must precede conclusions. They seem to believe that administrative actions are being used to deflect from broader policy failings. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring reliable power supply for Ghanaians. The long-term implications for energy security and public trust remain a key concern.