The Ministry of Energy has assured that the US$379 million debt owed to Karpowership, the operator of the Aboadze power barge, will not affect power supply.
Karpowership has threatened to suspend electricity supply unless the government settles the outstanding arrears.
Citi News understands that the sector Minister, John Jinapor, has engaged Karpowership on plans to clear the debt.
In an interview with Citi News, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, Isaac Agyei Kwakye, assured that the government will take steps to prevent any disruption in power supply.
“The Minister is of the view that if we can introduce efficiency in the system, these liabilities will certainly be cut down. Recently, the Auditor General’s report revealed that there are some under-declared amounts that ECG has not been able to declare fully.
“So Minister is of the view that we have to ensure that there is a single account where all the money collected is put in and we ensure that the Independent Power Producers are paid.
“And even if we are not able to pay all of them, certainly you know how much you are collecting and you are able to disburse the money accordingly. Ghana government has the responsibility to ensure that it provides electricity to the nation.
“And we as a ministry will do everything within our power to ensure that we do just that. In as much as it is a burden, but regardless of how much it is, we need to find solutions. And that is exactly what the ministry is determined to do.”
