Ghana’s former President, John Dramani Mahama, is pleading with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the West African nation to reconsider their decision to shut down their plants due to the government’s outstanding debt.
According to him, the country’s economy would be impacted negatively if they go ahead with their decision.
The Independent Power Generators, Ghana, formerly Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Bulk Distributors and Consumers (CiPDiB), on Thursday, June 29, directed its members to start the process to cut power supply to the national grid from July 1.
The members comprising Sunon Asogli, Cenpower Generations, Karpowership, AKSA, Energy Power, Amandi Energy, Trojan Power Limited, Meinergy, and CENIT Energy served notice to the government to pay about 30 per cent of the $1.73 billion outstanding debts owed them by June 30, 2023.
The group, on June 21, issued a reminder to Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta but that reminder appeared to also fall on deaf ears.
According to the IPPs, the debt has impacted negatively on their working capital and prevented them from acquiring some raw materials.
In a Facebook post on June 30, the former President stated that such a move would have severe consequences on Ghana’s economy and negatively impact the lives of numerous Ghanaian families.
“As a concerned citizen, I would like to make a plea to the Chamber of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reconsider their decision to shut down their plants effective July 1, 2023.
“If the IPPs, who account for almost half of the country’s total power generation and over two-thirds of Ghana’s thermal power, go through with this plan, it will have a disastrous impact on Ghana’s economy and negatively affect the lives and livelihoods of countless Ghanaian families.”
Mr Mahama also called on the government to take action and resolve the situation.
“I strongly urge the government to take immediate action and initiate discussions with the IPPs to find a sustainable solution to the impending power crisis.
“These discussions must begin without delay and be given the highest priority.”
It is not clear whether they would heed the appeal by Mr John Dramani Mahama considering his statesmanship.
However, checks by energynewsafrica.com indicate that the IPPs are currently holding a crunch meeting and are likely to communicate their decision to the public before tomorrow.
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Source: https://energynewsafrica.com