Deputy Energy Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer has declared the resolution of the recent power challenges in the country, assuring Ghanaians of an end to intermittent power outages, known as ‘Dumsor,’ starting from January 11, 2024.
The Minister disclosed in an interview that the Ministry of Finance disbursed $10 million to the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAGPCo) on January 10, 2024, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring a steady power supply.
He explained that the recent issues stemmed from an obligation owed by GNPC to WAGPCo, which prompted the Ministry of Finance’s intervention to address the matter and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
He highlighted the readiness of electricity plants to operate, emphasizing that the primary challenge lies in the availability of natural gas, the essential fuel for effective functioning.
He explained, “The plants are prepared to function, but the key hurdle is the lack of fuel, specifically natural gas, required to power them and provide electricity to our homes and businesses.”
While noting that power plants in the western corridor are operational, he pointed out the difficulty in transferring natural gas from the western to the eastern corridor.
This predicament arises from WAPCo, the gas transporter, choosing to halt the gas transmission, resulting in a shutdown of its gas supply.
He warned of potential increased outages if the government doesn’t secure funds to compensate all stakeholders in the electricity sector, stating, “Without adequate revenue generation in the sector to meet obligations, there’s a risk that even if WAPCo resumes gas transmission, other plants may opt to shut down due to government ownership issues.”
