Former President John Mahama has criticised the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he describes as the accumulation of debt in Ghana’s energy sector, leading to what he calls a new form of 'dumsor'.

According to him, the NPP government is "managing the debt little by little" until they leave office on January 7, thereby leaving the burden for the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to address.

Speaking during his campaign tour in the Oti Region, he accused the NPP of deferring payments owed to foreign investors in the energy sector, effectively passing this financial responsibility to the incoming administration.

“What they are doing is managing the debt little by little, knowing that the NDC will be the next government so they can hand over the burden to us," he said.

"Currently, they owe nearly $2 billion to foreign investors in the energy sector. Their goal is to delay repayment until January 7, when they expect the new NDC government to take on the debt.”

The NDC’s 2024 flagbearer assured that an NDC administration under his leadership has a capable team ready to tackle the energy debt and stabilse the sector.

“I urge Ghanaians not to lose hope. When we assume office, we will reveal the full scope of the debt and address it," Mr Mahama said.

"We have the men and women capable of solving this issue to bring relief to Ghanaians.”

He further pledged to invest significantly in infrastructure within the Oti Region if elected, with plans to build a public university, a regional hospital, a sports stadium, and a regional police command headquarters.

Meanwhile, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his commitment to reducing the cost of electricity by 50 per cent.

According to him, he will introduce 20,000 megawatts of solar power if elected president in the upcoming December 7 elections. 

Speaking during his Ashanti Regional Campaign tour, Dr Bawumia said that the next NPP government will work tirelessly to reduce the electricity cost to make it more affordable for businesses.