$379m Karpowership debt would not affect power supply - Ministry of Energy assures
Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor
The Ministry of Energy has reassured Ghanaians that the $379 million debt owed to Karpowership, the operator of the Aboadze power barge, will not lead to disruptions in electricity supply.
This comes after Karpowership threatened to suspend power generation if the government fails to settle the outstanding arrears.
This announcement led to fears of a looming power crisis in the near future.
In response to the situation, Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor has held discussions with Karpowership to address the debt and develop a plan for its repayment.
In a report by citinewsroom.com, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Isaac Agyei Kwakye, emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable power supply while resolving the financial challenges.
Kwakye highlighted the Minister’s focus on improving efficiency within the energy sector to reduce liabilities.
He referenced a recent Auditor General’s report, which uncovered under-declared revenues by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), as a key area for reform.
“The Minister believes that introducing efficiency into the system will help cut down these liabilities. For instance, we need to ensure that all revenue collected is channeled into a single account, allowing for proper disbursement to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), even if we cannot pay them in full,” Kwakye explained.
He further stressed the government’s responsibility to provide reliable electricity to the nation, stating, “We, as a ministry, will do everything within our power to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
"While the debt is a significant burden, we are determined to find solutions and address the issue effectively.”
ID/MA
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