Former President John Dramani Mahama has made a passionate appeal to the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reconsider their decision to shut down their plants on July 1 due to the government’s outstanding debt of $1.73 billion.
In a Facebook post on June 30, the former President emphasized that such a move would have severe consequences for Ghana’s economy and adversely affect the lives of numerous Ghanaian families.
Expressing concern as a citizen, Mr. Mahama called on the Chamber of Independent Power Producers to engage in discussions with the government immediately to find a sustainable solution to the impending power crisis. He stressed the urgency of these discussions and urged the government to prioritize this matter.
The Chamber of Independent Power Producers had previously directed its members, which include prominent companies like Sunon Asogli, Cenpower, Karpowership, AKSA, Twin City Energy, and CENIT, to cut power supply to the national grid from July 1. These IPPs contribute significantly to Ghana’s energy sector, accounting for 47 percent of the country’s total power generation mix and 67 percent of its thermal power.
The IPPs have cited an outstanding debt of approximately $1.73 billion in cedis dating back to January 2021. This debt has posed challenges in accessing working capital, hindering their ability to finance essential inputs, particularly those priced in foreign currency like the US dollar.
Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Independent Power Producers, Distributors, and Bulk Consumers (CIPDiB), expressed their inability to further delay payments and maintain operations, given the lack of resources beyond June 30.
In light of the potential dire consequences on the economy and the well-being of Ghanaian families, John Dramani Mahama called for a collaborative effort to address the situation promptly.
Source – citinewsroom.com
