Government must act swiftly to prevent 3 IPPs from shutting down – Institute for Energy Security

The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has advised government to immediately take steps to avert a return to the power supply challenges experienced in the past.

He explained that three major Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are likely to shut down due to unpaid debt of $259 million owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), if government fails to act.

Government’s indebtedness to the IPPs was revealed by the CEO, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, in an interview with Citi FM News on Tuesday, November 19.

“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 grids. It is a serious matter; it is not fun. We have received these assurances severally so this can’t sway us. We are resolute,” Dr Apetorgbor disclosed

On November 20, while commenting on the issue, Nana Amoasi VII urged government to act on the matter with some urgency.

“The bird whispered to us at the IES that they intend to take such a step. There is a fear that if they don’t act now, they won’t have the leverage or that audacity to convince the next government to pay them, and so they are venting out their frustration.

“I believe that they will make do their word judging from where Asogli took us from. We never believed that any IPP would shut down for the second time. Asogli did as of the 8th of October.

“…We believe strongly that they will make do their word and that government must take them seriously and act now to avert any [power shutdown],” he urged.

Source: 3news.com