Kufuor’s role in Ghana’s power sector: Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu sets the record straight

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader in Parliament, has clarified the significant contributions of former President John Agyekum Kufuor to Ghana’s power sector, dismissing claims that his administration failed to address the country's energy challenges.

Speaking at a public forum in Kumasi, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu highlighted Kufuor's legacy of long-term planning and investment in Ghana’s energy infrastructure.

According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Kufuor’s administration inherited a struggling power sector in 2001, marked by frequent outages and insufficient capacity to meet growing demand. “President Kufuor recognized energy as a critical driver of development and took bold steps to lay a strong foundation for Ghana’s energy future,” he explained.

Among the key initiatives was the establishment of the West African Gas Pipeline project, which provided Ghana with access to natural gas from Nigeria.

This project significantly reduced the country’s reliance on expensive crude oil for power generation. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also emphasized the expansion of the Takoradi Thermal Power Plant and the construction of the Bui Dam, which were major milestones under Kufuor’s leadership.

“These projects didn’t just solve immediate problems; they were strategic investments to secure Ghana’s energy needs for decades,” the Majority Leader noted. He criticized attempts to downplay Kufuor’s achievements, calling them politically motivated.

The lawmaker further argued that subsequent energy crises stemmed from a lack of continuity in implementing Kufuor’s policies. “Energy projects require consistent investment and maintenance, and unfortunately, some administrations have not prioritized this,” he stated.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urged Ghanaians to give credit where it is due, asserting that Kufuor’s proactive approach to the power sector set the stage for the stability and progress seen in recent years. “Kufuor’s vision for the energy sector was clear, and his work continues to benefit the nation today,” he concluded.