How to resolve AdBlock issue? Mahama Criticizes Government for Decline in Ghana’s Petroleum Production
Monday, 25 November 2024 | Ghana
Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has attributed Ghana’s 35% decline in petroleum production to corruption within the current administration. Speaking to the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi as part of his three-day tour of the region, Mahama alleged that some government officials demand exorbitant sums from petroleum investors for oil blocks, a practice that he believes has undermined confidence in the industry and driven away major investors, including ExxonMobil, to neighboring countries like Ivory Coast.
Mahama contrasted the current state of Ghana’s petroleum sector with the significant progress recorded under his administration. He emphasized that corruption has eroded the achievements his government had built and pointed to efforts during his tenure to attract foreign investment into the industry. He assured the chiefs that an NDC-led government has a comprehensive strategy to restore investor confidence and revive the sector.
“There is a lot of hard work 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 effort, but I believe the NDC has the people capable of delivering this,” Mahama stated. He stressed the urgency of revitalizing oil production in the face of global shifts toward renewable energy and climate change initiatives. “This is the time to put your oil on fast sales. Otherwise, we risk losing value as the world transitions to electric vehicles and alternative energy sources,” he added.
During his visit, Mahama also engaged with the Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Awulae Attribrukusu, and the Paramount Queen Mother of Shama, Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba. Both leaders expressed concerns over issues plaguing their communities, including poor healthcare infrastructure and the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey. They urged Mahama to implement stricter measures, including a ban on Changfan machine manufacturing and importation, to combat the destructive impact of galamsey on local water bodies and farmlands.
Mahama’s tour also included an interaction with the Western Regional Clergy in the Effia Constituency. He plans to visit all 17 constituencies within the Western Region by the end of his tour. Accompanying him were notable NDC figures, including his Campaign Manager, Joshua Alabi, and other key party members such as Totobi Kwarkyi, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Julius Debrah.
Mahama's campaign highlights his promise to address corruption, rebuild Ghana’s oil and gas industry, and tackle critical social issues such as healthcare and environmental protection. As he continues his regional visits, he seeks to bolster support for the NDC and present a vision of a more transparent and effective governance approach.
Mahama contrasted the current state of Ghana’s petroleum sector with the significant progress recorded under his administration. He emphasized that corruption has eroded the achievements his government had built and pointed to efforts during his tenure to attract foreign investment into the industry. He assured the chiefs that an NDC-led government has a comprehensive strategy to restore investor confidence and revive the sector.
“There is a lot of hard work 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 effort, but I believe the NDC has the people capable of delivering this,” Mahama stated. He stressed the urgency of revitalizing oil production in the face of global shifts toward renewable energy and climate change initiatives. “This is the time to put your oil on fast sales. Otherwise, we risk losing value as the world transitions to electric vehicles and alternative energy sources,” he added.
During his visit, Mahama also engaged with the Paramount Chief of Lower Axim, Awulae Attribrukusu, and the Paramount Queen Mother of Shama, Nana Akosua Gyamfiaba. Both leaders expressed concerns over issues plaguing their communities, including poor healthcare infrastructure and the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey. They urged Mahama to implement stricter measures, including a ban on Changfan machine manufacturing and importation, to combat the destructive impact of galamsey on local water bodies and farmlands.
Mahama’s tour also included an interaction with the Western Regional Clergy in the Effia Constituency. He plans to visit all 17 constituencies within the Western Region by the end of his tour. Accompanying him were notable NDC figures, including his Campaign Manager, Joshua Alabi, and other key party members such as Totobi Kwarkyi, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Julius Debrah.
Mahama's campaign highlights his promise to address corruption, rebuild Ghana’s oil and gas industry, and tackle critical social issues such as healthcare and environmental protection. As he continues his regional visits, he seeks to bolster support for the NDC and present a vision of a more transparent and effective governance approach.