The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has urged the government to focus on fixing the persistent challenges in the energy sector before contemplating the construction of any new power generation plant.
Concluding his contribution to the debate on the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy Statement presented by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Effutu lawmaker contends that is imprudent for the government to announce intentions for additional generation capacity when the sector is still grappling with unresolved challenges.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that inefficiencies within the power value chain including transmission losses, legacy debts, and unreliable supply continue to undermine economic productivity, and must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
He cautioned that introducing a new plant without first stabilising the sector would only compound the existing problems.
The minority leader criticised what he described as “misaligned priorities” in the budget, noting that the energy sector’s sustainability requires clear policy direction, transparent financial management, and strict adherence to procurement best practices.
Touching on the broader 2026 budget, the Minority Leader said several of the government’s projections lacked the necessary implementation frameworks. He expressed concern that without realistic targets and properly costed interventions, the budget could fall short of its own goals.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to providing constructive oversight, stressing that their position is geared toward safeguarding the public purse and ensuring that economic policies reflect the true needs of Ghanaians.
Debate on the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy is expected to proceed to the committee level as Parliament continues its scrutiny of the various estimates ahead of the Appropriations Bill.
Background
Finance Minister, Dr Casiel Ato Forson announced in the 2026 budget, the construction of a 1,200-megawatt state-owned thermal power plant, effective 2026.
The project is part of Ghana’s strategy to shift from light crude oil to natural gas for power generation, ensuring reliable and affordable energy.
By: Christian Kpesese
