The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has blamed Ghana’s 35% decline in petroleum production on government corruption, which he claims has discouraged major investors like ExxonMobil and pushed them to neighboring countries such as Ivory Coast.
Addressing the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi during his three-day tour of the region, Mahama alleged that some government officials demand exorbitant fees from petroleum investors for oil blocks, undermining the confidence of stakeholders in the sector.
Mahama compared the current challenges to the progress achieved under his administration, emphasizing that corruption has eroded those gains. He recalled the measures implemented during his tenure to attract investment and develop Ghana’s petroleum industry, pointing out that these efforts had previously set the sector on a path of growth. He expressed concern that the present administration’s actions have stalled progress and warned of the long-term consequences of this trend.
The former president assured the chiefs that the NDC has a clear plan to restore investor confidence and revitalize the petroleum industry. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, noting that the global shift toward renewable energy and electric vehicles is diminishing the demand for oil. “There is a lot of work that will be required by the new government. I will not deceive you that it will be easy to revive the country. It will demand a lot of hard work to revive it. I believe that NDC has the people to do that work,” Mahama said.
He stressed the need for swift action to maximize Ghana’s oil resources while the market remains viable. “We have decided to talk to the oil companies to come back and work with us. There is something called climate change, and they have started manufacturing electric vehicles for people to withdraw from investing in oil. So this is the time to put your oil on fast sales, else it will get to a time where no one will purchase oil from you, so we have to be fast about it so that we can benefit from it,” he explained.
The Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Awulae Attribrukusu, and the Paramount Queen Mother of Shama, Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba, expressed their concerns over the poor state of healthcare and the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. They appealed to Mahama to prioritize addressing these issues if elected. Both leaders specifically called for a ban on the manufacturing and importation of Changfan equipment, which is widely used in galamsey operations, highlighting its devastating impact on the environment and local communities.
Mahama’s engagement in the Western Region also included a meeting with the Western Regional Clergy in the Effia Constituency. He reiterated his commitment to working with all stakeholders to address the region’s pressing challenges. His tour of the Western Region is part of a broader strategy to engage with various constituencies and groups as he campaigns for the presidency.
The flagbearer is expected to visit all 17 constituencies in the region by the end of his tour on Wednesday. Accompanying him are key members of his campaign team, including his Campaign Manager, Joshua Alarbi, and notable NDC figures such as Totobi Kwarkyi, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Julius Debrah.
Mahama’s visit underscores his focus on highlighting the issues facing Ghana’s energy sector and the broader implications for the nation’s economy. His emphasis on tackling corruption, restoring investor confidence, and addressing environmental concerns resonates with many who are frustrated by the current administration’s handling of these matters.
The tour also provides Mahama with an opportunity to present his vision for a more sustainable and equitable future for Ghana, one that prioritizes accountability, environmental protection, and economic growth. His engagements with traditional and religious leaders reflect his intent to work collaboratively with diverse groups to find solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
As the NDC flagbearer continues his campaign, his promise to restore Ghana’s petroleum industry and tackle issues like healthcare and galamsey offers a glimpse into the priorities of a potential Mahama-led administration. His commitment to addressing these issues and ensuring that Ghana benefits from its natural resources resonates strongly with voters seeking a change in leadership.
