Ayariga: 24-Hour Economy will start after ECG mess is fixed

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has accused the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration of mishandling the energy sector, insisting that Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy cannot take off until the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is properly stabilized.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 27, Ayariga pointed to what he described as major failures under the Millennium Challenge Account’s Energy Compact 2, alleging that the mismanagement resulted in a loss of US$190 million.

He further referenced the findings of the recent investigation into ECG’s container holdup at the port, which uncovered over GH¢909 million in demurrage charges, as well as several procurement irregularities.

According to the Bawku Central MP, contracts valued at GH¢159 million were cleared improperly—among them, a GH¢127.6 million contract awarded to a company that lacked customs house agent registration. He also highlighted significant discrepancies between budgeted procurement figures and actual expenditure.

Ayariga told the House:

“They mismanaged the Millennium Challenge Account Energy Compact 2, and as a result, the country lost $190 million—because they handed distribution to PDS, which went on to forge documents to provide a payment guarantee.”

He continued:
“This is the NPP’s record in the energy sector. The situation at ECG is clearly captured in the budget. The recent container holdup investigation shows the extent of the mess. Your negligence led to demurrage of over GH¢909 million at the port.”

He added:
“Corruption reached its peak. Contracts worth GH¢159 million were cleared, and GH¢127.6 million of that went to a company that wasn’t even registered as a customs house agent. There were massive deviations between procurement budgets and actual costs.”

Ayariga concluded by saying the 24-hour economy cannot commence until the ECG is cleaned up and energy supply becomes reliable:
“You stand here asking when the 24-hour economy will start. It will begin only after the ECG mess is fixed and we establish a functional 24-hour energy system.”