A member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament and MP for Bongo, Edward Abambire Bawa has expressed disappointment in the Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh over his recent comments on widespread demand for load shedding timetable.
Dr Opoku Prempeh is reported as saying that “Let those who want it (load shedding timetable) bring it.”
Speaking in an interview on Ghana Tonight on TV3, Bawa highlighted the frustration felt by many Ghanaians over the lack of transparency and communication regarding power outages.
“First and foremost, let me state it very clearly that I’m so much disappointed in the Energy Minister. Not all Ghanaians have been given the responsibility to manage the energy sector, only a few that is headed by him [the sector minister] who have been given the opportunity to do that,” he said.
Bawa emphasized the disconnect between the expectations of Ghanaians and the perceived arrogance of the Energy Minister. He stressed that while challenges in the energy sector are acknowledged, citizens expect a basic level of service and communication to plan their lives accordingly.
“If the sector has challenges, and the rest of us are the people who expect some particular level of service from them, and if those services are not being met, and we ask that even if you cannot give me the service, you know when the service is not available,” Bawa stated.
He underscored the necessity of providing citizens with a clear schedule for power outages, allowing them to plan essential activities such as homework completion, medical needs, and alternative arrangements for power-dependent tasks.
Bawa further condemned what he described as the Energy Minister’s “arrogance and disrespect” towards Ghanaians, accusing him of disregarding the concerns of those he is meant to serve. He criticized the government’s approach, likening it to a monarchy where the ruling elite disregard the needs and sentiments of the populace.
“They think that they have a right to go home and behave with the mentality of a monarch, where they think that their source of power is divine and that the rest of us can go to hell irrespective of how we feel,” remarked Bawa.
He further emphasized the importance of trust between elected officials and the people, highlighting the social contract inherent in democratic governance. Bawa concluded by condemning the Minister’s actions as disrespectful and urged for greater sensitivity and accountability in addressing the energy crisis.
By Eva Boamah