CSOs urge Mahama to overhaul energy sector

By Kizito CUDJOE

A coalition of 10 civil society organisations (CSOs) in the energy and natural resource governance sector has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to implement sweeping reforms in the energy and extractive industries.

In an eight-point open letter, the group urged termination of the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract; abolition of the Agyapa Royalties Deal; a review of the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act; and comprehensive reforms in the energy sector.

The coalition alleged that the ongoing SML contract has diverted millions of Ghana cedis into private hands without delivering commensurate value to the nation. Terminating this agreement, they argued, will seal significant revenue leakage and restore public confidence in financial management practices.

Regarding the Agyapa Royalties Deal and MIIF Act, the CSOs called for termination of the former – describing it as a threat to Ghana’s mineral wealth. They noted that while President Akufo-Addo paused its implementation, the underlying MIIF Act requires amendments to introduce stringent transparency and accountability measures in mineral revenue investment.

The coalition also urged the President-elect to limit political interference in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within the energy sector – particularly the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Ghana Gas – to promote leadership stability and operational efficiency.

Additionally, they highlighted the need to address persistent challenges in the energy distribution value chain, which they said have eroded sector performance and profitability.

Illegal mining, which has led to the destruction of water-bodies, was also a focal point. The coalition urged the incoming administration to repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462) and enforce existing mining laws.

They called for investigations into the allocation of mineral licences in forest reserves; prosecution of politically exposed persons and traditional leaders complicit in illegal mining; and the development of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen environmental governance.

“Enforce existing mining laws, investigate the allocation of mineral licences in forest reserves, prosecute politically exposed persons and traditional leaders complicit in illegal mining, and develop a comprehensive strategy to promote sound environmental governance, protecting our forests, rivers and ecosystems for future generations,” the group advised.

The coalition further emphasised the importance of enhancing anti-corruption measures across all sectors. They called for improved transparency in procurement processes to prevent inflated contracts and insider dealings.

“Strengthen oversight institutions like the Office of the Special Prosecutor and Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to independently investigate and prosecute corruption cases; and ensure public officials declare their assets transparently and comply with Ghana’s asset declaration laws,” they added.

On governance, the coalition urged the incoming administration to deliver on its commitment to run a lean, efficient government that reduces waste and redirects public resources toward productive sectors.

They also advocated for inclusive governance, urging engagement with civil society and citizen groups as key stakeholders in decision-making processes.

The coalition called for repealing the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947) to free funds earmarked for specific development purposes and ensure equitable resource distribution to address regional disparities.

Additionally, they advised the early identification and ringfencing of resources for key economic and social priorities early in the administration’s term.

“Your Excellency, we believe these actions align with your First 120 Days Social Contract and will honour the trust Ghanaians have placed in you, providing a solid foundation for restoring fiscal stability, fostering inclusive governance and achieving sustainable development,” the coalition noted.

“We assure you of our unwavering commitment to collaborating with your administration to build a better Ghana for all. We wish you success as you prepare to assume office and we look forward to a fruitful partnership.”

The coalition includes the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), iWatch Africa, Revenue Mobilisation Africa (RMA) and Third World Network-Africa (TWN-Africa).

The other organisations are IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA), Institute of Energy Security (IES) and the Human Environment and Livelihoods Platform Foundation (HELP Foundation Africa).

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