Mahama boasts of an end to dumsor

President John Mahama says about 800 megawatts of power has been added to the country’s energy generation capacity within the shortest period in overcoming the power challenges.

Presenting the State of the Nation address in parliament on Thursday 25 February, 2016, the President said: "It has taken team work and the cooperation of many people to achieve this success."

"A year ago, I stood before this very august house and promised to fix the power sector deficit that at the time had become a significant constraint to the economic growth and a destruction to Ghanaians both home and at work. This was a time of considerable national anxiety. The deficit brought about a severe power rationing and I was very much concerned. Ghanaians had to sleep in darkness or spend money to fuel generators. Businesses faced challenges, and I expressed my full regret to the nation and I took full responsibility as President and leader of this nation and commander in Chief. It has not been easy. It has been a year of hard work; Hard work that has made us to achieve the fastest mobilization of emergency power in the history of Ghana."

"About 800 megawatts of power has been added to our generation within the shortest period of time. Fast-tracking the finalisation and commissioning of KTPP added 220 megawatts, Fast-tracking the commissioning of TICO’s combine cycle added 110 megawatts, mobilizing Karpower added another 220 megawatts, and Mr. Speaker, as I speak, Ameri is adding 250 megawatts extra power to our transmission grid. In addition, 180 of Asogli phase two is also available as soon as we can get extra gas for it."

He indicated that "much work still needs to be done to give us the comfort of sustainable generation going forward."