Benjamin Nsiah, an energy policy analyst, has expressed concerns over the impending maintenance shutdown by the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo). The company responsible for supplying natural gas across the sub-region is set to halt operations temporarily for maintenance purposes.
Speaking on Ahotor FM with host Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Nsiah revealed that WAPCo initially planned to shut down on January 20th. However, the company postponed the maintenance to February 5th, giving the Ghanaian government more time to procure the necessary resources to power critical energy plants.
“This is the third time WAPCo has rescheduled their maintenance shutdown to accommodate the government’s request. They have shown flexibility, but now the responsibility lies squarely with the government to act promptly,” Mr. Nsiah stated.
According to him, the government assured WAPCo that the additional time would allow them to acquire alternative fuel sources to keep the power plants running during the maintenance period. “We are now waiting to see if the government has fulfilled its promise. The expectation is that the necessary alternative fuel is ready to ensure the smooth operation of terminal plants dependent on natural gas,” he added.
The energy policy analyst emphasized the importance of a swift and strategic response, as any delays could disrupt power supply and affect various sectors of the economy. He called on stakeholders to hold the government accountable and ensure they deliver on their commitments to avoid potential energy challenges during WAPCo’s maintenance period.
Energy Policy Analyst Benjamin Nsiah has commended the Ministry of Energy for taking proactive steps to mitigate the potential impact of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited’s (WAPCo) scheduled maintenance shutdown. Speaking on Ahotor FM, Mr. Nsiah expressed confidence in the government’s efforts to ensure a stable power supply during this critical period.
According to Mr. Nsiah, the Ministry has assured stakeholders that alternative fuel supplies needed to power the country’s electricity generation plants have started arriving. This development, he noted, eliminates any cause for concern as the nation prepares for WAPCo’s temporary halt in operations.
“We have been proactive this time around,” Mr. Nsiah stated. “The Ministry of Energy has confirmed that some of the required fuel has already landed. This means that even if WAPCo shuts down today, our power generation plants will continue to operate, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted distribution of power across the country.”
He emphasized that the government’s timely procurement of alternative fuel is a critical step in maintaining energy security and preventing disruptions to businesses and households. Mr. Nsiah urged citizens to remain calm, as all necessary measures appear to be in place to avoid a power crisis.
The scheduled maintenance by WAPCo is a routine operation to ensure the safety and efficiency of the pipeline infrastructure. However, Mr. Nsiah lauded the collaborative efforts between WAPCo and the government to minimize the impact of the shutdown, stating that such coordination is vital for sustaining the country’s energy needs.
With these assurances, stakeholders and citizens can look forward to continuous power supply even as WAPCo undertakes its essential maintenance activities.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
