Samuel Atta-Akyea, the Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, has revealed that the government is implementing measures to prevent Independent Power Producers (IPPs) from shutting down power plants on Saturday, July 1. Atta-Akyea emphasized that the government is taking necessary steps to avert the severe consequences of power cuts initiated by IPPs.
During a press briefing in Parliament, Atta-Akyea refuted allegations of selective payment of the GH¢1.7 billion debt owed to the IPPs. He stated, “The independent power producers are concerned about being paid, and if you pay one and neglect the others, resulting in power withdrawal, the consequences would be grave. I don’t believe the Minister of Finance would engage in such practices of favoring some and not paying others. The government fully understands the ramifications of power outages and is working diligently to ensure it doesn’t come to that.”
Atta-Akyea also urged the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to engage in discussions with the IPPs to settle the outstanding arrears owed to them. He emphasized that it is a financial matter and the Finance Minister should find a way to address the payment issue.
Even if the government doesn’t have the entire amount, showing goodwill by making partial payments could encourage the IPPs to continue supplying power. However, if the government takes a stance of not paying them at all, it would essentially be challenging them to cut off the power supply.
Source – citinewsroom.com
