Ghana’s Energy Sector Is Riddled With Organised Crime – Ben Nsiah

Energy sector analyst Ben Nsiah has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s power and energy sector, alleging the existence of a coordinated network involving politicians, technocrats, government officials and foreign operators.

In an interview on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Nsiah recalled Ghana’s major power crisis in 2014, arguing that the country must learn from the experience and protect the national interest in decisions concerning the energy sector.

According to him, many politicians are allegedly self-centred and fail to put the country’s interest at stake.
Nsiah further alleged that there is a “collaborative organized crime” involving some politicians, technocrats, government officials and U.S. operators.

He also accused private power producers of overbilling the state, claiming that some officials allegedly have a portion of their percentage built into the overall cost of power.
The energy sector specialist additionally alleged that some parliamentarians had been offered a $46,000 bribe, and called for greater transparency in agreements signed on behalf of the country.
“We must disclose all agreements signed on our behalf because we have seen that our Parliament cannot protect us,” he stated.

Nsiah also called on citizens to ask questions, suggesting that public scrutiny remains one of the few mechanisms available to protect Ghana’s interests.

He further urged the government to renegotiate energy contracts previously signed between 2014 and 2017, describing such a move as imperative.

Turning his attention to the Attorney General’s reported efforts regarding an energy deal, Nsiah expressed scepticism, alleging that political connections among those involved could undermine attempts to unravel the matter.
He claimed that the parties involved “know themselves” and may cover up for one another, underscoring his call for greater transparency and accountability in Ghana’s energy sector.

The allegations contained in the interview have not been independently verified.

By Maurice Otoo