Three power plants may shut down next week due to a $259 million debt owed by ECG, warns IPP CEO Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has revealed that three power plants are on the verge of shutting down due to unpaid debts owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The government has failed to settle a $259 million debt despite previous promises.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Top Story and sighted by The Ghana Times on Tuesday, Dr. Apetorgbor warned that if the situation isn’t addressed by the end of the week, the three key power plants would stop operations next week. While he refrained from disclosing the specific plants, he emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “For now, it’s confidential, but I can tell you if nothing is done, three key IPPs will be shutting down as well.”
Regarding the government’s reconciliation efforts, he dismissed their effectiveness, arguing that the figures from the government cannot be trusted. “We are up to date with our numbers, so we know what we are talking about. The government does not even know how to account for the power sector figures.”
Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam recently announced a renegotiated agreement with Sunon Asogli aimed at stabilizing power supply after disruptions caused by financial disagreements between Sunon Asogli and ECG. However, Dr. Apetorgbor questioned the validity of the minister’s claims, challenging him to provide evidence of any signed agreements with IPPs. “If he has, let him share it with the public,” Apetorgbor stated, hinting at further shutdowns if the matter remains unresolved.
