Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has credited the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) with undeniable and measurable gains in Ghana’s energy sector over the past 11 months, describing the turnaround as evidence of prudent economic management after inheriting a “crime scene” from the erstwhile NPP administration.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament as he concluded debate on the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy Statement on hursday, November 27, 2025, Ayariga applauded MPs from both sides for their contributions but corrected some ‘’claims” by members of the Minority about the government’s performance.
“Let me thank all colleagues on this side of the House and across the aisle for their very revealing comments on the budget,” he said. “Our first-timers have made us proud. This budget resets Ghana for growth, jobs, and transformation. It reflects prudent management of the economy, and the results are already showing.”
Energy Sector Turnaround
Mr Ayariga defended government’s management of the energy sector, contrasting the current trajectory with what he said was years of mismanagement under the previous New Patriotic Party administration.
“What is the record of the NPP?” he asked. “The energy sector they left behind was marked by mismanagement, corruption and staggering losses. They lost $190 million in the Millennium Challenge Account and presided over an ECG debt of more than GH¢68 billion.”
According to the Majority Leader, the NDC government’s interventions ranging from IPP renegotiations to debt restructuring and efficiency measures have produced clear results.
“We have renegotiated IPP payments from $1.4 billion to $1.1 billion, saving Ghana $250 million,” Ayariga stated. “And even the $1.1 billion, we are spreading over four years. This budget confirms that we are current on our payments. We have already paid $300 million to the IPPs, which is why electricity supply is now reliable.”
He challenged critics to verify the improvements for themselves.
“Last week, when I was flying from Kumasi at night, it was a sight to behold. Everywhere was lit. I challenge anyone, fly over Kumasi or Accra at night and see the difference under the NDC.”
Praise for ECG Management
Ayariga singled out the Acting Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Engineer Julius Kpekpena, for what he described as “exceptional leadership” that has led to significant cost reductions.
“ECG is better managed now,” he noted. “Engineer Julius Kpekpena has demonstrated that Ghanaians have what it takes to turn things around. In 2025, unlike the mess he inherited, he achieved a 115% reduction in administrative expenses—from GH¢930 million in the first half of 2024 to less than half of that in the first half of 2025. That is remarkable.”
Responding to Criticisms
Ayariga dismissed Minority concerns that the budget lacked clarity on employment creation and renewable energy investments. He insisted that the transformation strategy was coherent and already yielding results.
“A lot has been said for and against the budget,” he said. “But the facts speak for themselves. We have shifted from the criminal handling of the economy to prudence and discipline. This budget is about growth, real growth—and the evidence is there.”
The Budget Debate concluded with the House expected to proceed to the consideration stage, where the estimates of MDAs in the coming days ahead of the appropriation approval.
