Three power plants in Ghana face imminent shutdown over $259 million debt
Ghanaians are likely to experience more power outages, as three critical power plants are facing an imminent shutdown due to accumulating unpaid debts.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, the government has defaulted on a $259 million debt payment owed by the the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Dr. Apetorgbor mentioned that if the government does not act swiftly before Friday, November 22, 2024, these three critical power plants will shut down, plunging the country into a power crisis.
“I can confirm that all is not well. If there is no intervention before Friday, I can tell you that by Monday, three key power plants will be off the grid. It is a serious matter, not fun,” he is quoted to have said by Citi Business News on November 19, 2024.
Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor also called out President Akufo-Addo’s recent declaration that there will be no more power shortages after he commissioned the Bridge Power Project, which is expected to address ongoing power supply shortfalls in the energy sector.
“We have received these assurances several times, so this can’t sway us. We are resolute. To say that the commissioning of this plant is going to put dumsor to rest, I find it difficult to relate,” he lamented.
On October 8, 2024, Sunon Asogli, the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Ghana, announced the suspension of its operations in the country due to the government’s failure to honour its debt obligations.
The IPP expressed deep regret for the impact of its decision on the national power supply while urging the Ministry of Finance to swiftly intervene in the matter to restore its services.
MA
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