Former President John Dramani Mahama is concerned about the way the government is handling its indebtedness to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in Ghana.
Mr Mahama said Ghanaians face grave uncertainty if more of the IPPs follow suit of Asogli Power Plant which recently threatened to cut power over the failure of the government to pay them.
Sunon Asogli had raised concerns about the debts owed to it by the government. The company threatened to shut down its 560MW plant over the debt but rescinded “in view of the intervention and assurance of the Minister of Finance and Minister of State.”
In a statement, the company said, “Kindly confirm our understanding that we shall be paid an interim sum of $60 million in two tranches. The first tranche $30 million to be paid this week and the second tranche in the week of 11th December 2023.”
The IPP in a letter addressed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) “Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited Company announces with regret an indefinite suspension of operations at the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, effective Monday, 4th December 2023 at 6 PM.
“This difficult decision became necessary due to avoidable delays in payment from the GoG/Electricity Company of Ghana for power supplied, as well as, the unproductive engagements to find an amicable solution.”
Delivering a speech at the Ghana CEOs Cocktail event on Friday, December 8, Mr Mahama said “Independent Power Producers continue to threaten power cuts due to mounting debts affecting their operations. A few days ago, one of the producers threatened to take out 560 MW of power before a promise to pay was made.
“Independent Power Producers continue to threaten power cuts due to mounting debts affecting their operations. A few days ago, one of the producers threatened to take out 560 MW of power before a promise to pay was made. Ghanaians face grave uncertainty if more of them follow suit.”