The Minority in Parliament has raised alarms regarding the recent return of load shedding in Ghana, attributing the issue to the government’s questionable contracts with the Ghana Gas Company.
The minority caucus has accused the government of pressuring the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas Company to execute contracts that serve the selfish interests of politicians.
During a press briefing, John Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament, highlighted a power deficit of over 500 megawatts reported on Tuesday, which has resulted in the load shedding commonly referred to as dumsor.
He cautioned that the government’s dubious contracts have led to this crisis and urged the Ghana Gas Company to resist being used for political purposes.
Jinapor noted that Tullow Ghana has not been compensated for its gas supply to Ghana Gas for the past nine months and is now threatening to reduce its supply.
Furthermore, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have submitted a letter to the Ministry of Finance indicating their intention to stop power supply due to outstanding debts and liabilities totaling $1.2 billion.
He added that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has accrued a debt of 10 billion cedis, as indicated in its latest financial statement.
The Minority has called on the government to take urgent measures to resolve the power crisis and ensure equitable electricity distribution for all Ghanaians.
He said, “It’s obvious that this government is realising that they are on the verge of losing the election and with just about two months to leave office, they are determined to use whatever means possible to compel the Chief Executive to execute this contract.
“On behalf of the Minority, on behalf of the NDC, let me send a very stern and firm warning to the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas company, don’t allow yourself for politicians to use you for their selfish parochial interest and games.”
He added, “Because of such dubious contracts, as we speak today, there is load shedding ongoing. GRIDco has been cautioned not to inform customers. Yesterday, there was a deficit of more than 500 megawatts.
Today, there are going to shed load and customers in Ghana will be affected. Tullow Ghana has not been paid even a dollar for the past nine months for gas supply to Ghana Gas and Tullow is threatening to curtail supply of gas.
“The IPPs have just dispatched a letter to the Ministry of Finance intending to halt the supply of power for debt and liabilities, hovering around 1.2 billion dollars. ECG alone incurred a debt of 10 billion cedis in their latest financial statement.”
