The Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, has dismissed claims that Ghana is undergoing load shedding, stating that there is no need for a load-shedding timetable.
Speaking at a press briefing on the state of the energy sector, he assured Ghanaians that despite challenges, the government is working to stabilize power supply.
“Today, let me put on record that we are not shedding load, and so the demand by the minority and some people that we publish a load-shedding timetable is mute,” he stated.
He further emphasized that Ghana is currently exporting 300 megawatts of power to neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso and Benin, which would not be possible if there was a power deficit.
“We are exporting about 300 megawatts of power outside Ghana to Burkina Faso, to Benin, and other neighboring countries, and so when you have enough, and you are exporting power, obviously there will be no need to publish load shedding timetable,” he said.
He stated that the energy system is fragile due to fuel supply constraints but reassured the public that efforts are underway to secure more fuel and settle outstanding payments to power producers.
“The system is very fragile and weak but we’ve been working around the clock to procure enough fuel and to make some payments to power suppliers to hold the system,” he said.
He also addressed recent disruptions in power generation, confirming that Breach Power, an independent power producer, had temporarily shut down operations due to unpaid liabilities but has now resumed operations after negotiations. Also, the supply of gas from N-Gas, which was at risk of being cut off, has been restored and increased following successful talks.
To address fuel supply shortages in the long term, the minister announced that the cabinet has approved the construction of a second gas processing plant in partnership with the Finance Ministry. “This gas processing plant will augment the shortfall and increase supply security,” he explained.
The Minister stressed that the government will mobilize resources to procure more fuel and sustain the power sector.
“What we need to do is to mobilise additional resources to procure more fuel, and to hold the power sector running,” he said.
Voice of John Jinapor.
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