Presidential Candidate of the People’s National Convention (PNC) Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama has derided government’s efforts to solving the energy crisis.

He said the securing of power barges to solve the years-long crisis is a “knee-jerk” approach to “kill Ghanaians with unbearable tariffs”.

Dr Mahama made these known on Tuesday, June 21, when he addressed a forum organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

It was the first of evening encounters lined up for the 2016 presidential candidates of the PNC, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The three political parties have representatives in Parliament.

It is still uncertain whether National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama will take part as the IEA is yet to officially receive correspondence from the party as regards the Institute’s debate series.

Dr Mahama’s address touched on a number of issues including unemployment, corruption and the economy.

He described as “lazy” and “inconsiderate” the current approach by the Mahama-led NDC government to ending the power crisis. Dr Mahama says the power barges are “expensive” and “needlessly acquired”.

He disclosed that a PNC government will rather invest in renewable energy such as solar.

‘Limann’s ministers’

Dr Mahama expressed confidence in the PNC fighting corruption, citing that the last time the Nkrumahist party was in power the canker was a non-issue.

He said that was evident in the measures put in place by then leader Dr Hilla Limann, whom he succeeded in 1996.

“Not a single one of [Limann’s] ministers was convicted of corruption,” he stated.

Dr Mahama further outlined that his government would review the Public Procurement Act to, in effect, ensure transparency.

He also stated that he would decouple the Attorney General’s Department from the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Justice, he said, will be made Director of Public Prosecution to fight graft.

Next to be hosted on Tuesday, June 28 will be CPP’s Presidential Candidate Ivor Kobina Greenstreet.

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana

Twitter: @kwame_amoh