President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the new Minister for Power, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, to act quickly to end the current load shedding and power outages affecting Ghanaians.
“Your sector is probably going to be the one that all Ghanaians are going to be watching more, and you shall be responsible for success in overcoming ‘dumsor’ (or power outages),” the President stressed.
“As quickly as possible, we must overcome these energy challenges.”
President Mahama was speaking at a swearing-in ceremony at Flagstaff House, the seat of Government, when he led Dr. Donkor to take the necessary oaths of his new position.
The President explained why the new Ministry had to be created recently out of the Ministry of Energy.
“We split the Ministry so that we can get a more focused handle on the challenges facing the power sector.”
President Mahama further stated that the success of the new Ministry of Power should give impetus to his greater objective of making Ghana a power hub for the sub-region.
“I have a vision to, not only expand our power generation to meet our own national demand, but to become the most efficient power producer in West Africa and a net exporter of power to our neighbours.”
The President expressed his full confidence in the abilities and qualifications of Dr. Donkor, stating that his experience as a former Deputy Minister in the power sector placed him in pole position to be able to resolve Ghana’s energy or power crisis.
“I do not have any doubts that if there is anybody who can deliver then it is you, and we will all be there to support you.”
Dr Kwabena Donkor is the Member of Parliament for the Pru East Constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region and also chairs the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Development and Planning from the University of Bristol, in the UK, where he lectured and an MBA from the University of Lancaster also in the UK. He was the first Chief Executive of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company, (BOST).
President Mahama wished the minister every success in this new assignment and assured him that the Government will be available to collaborate with him for quick results.