Ghana’s power providers are grappling with supply challenges as power outages continue across the country, despite efforts to supplement energy production. Independent Power Producer (IPP) Sunon Asogli remains offline due to financial disputes, putting additional strain on the country’s electricity supply.
As a result, the Bui Generating Station, traditionally a peaking plant that operates only during periods of high demand, has been running continuously for 24 hours a day for nearly two months. The High Street Journal sources indicate that this extended use is putting pressure on the Bui reservoir, which could impact the plant’s long-term functionality. Peaking plants like Bui are not designed for constant operation, and their continuous use signals a significant strain on the energy sector.
Despite the Bui plant’s round-the-clock operation, it has not been sufficient to meet the country’s power demand, leading to rolling blackouts in various parts of the nation. With less than two weeks to Ghana’s general elections, these power outages—suggestive of load-shedding—are raising concerns about the country’s energy security.
Further compounding the situation, gas supply to the country’s existing power plants is expected to be disrupted starting Monday, November 25. The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced a planned cleaning and inspection exercise, known as “pigging,” on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). This maintenance will temporarily reduce gas flows from Takoradi to Tema and other key supply points, affecting power generation capabilities in Tema, Lomé, and Cotonou.
These disruptions come at a time when three additional Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have signaled their intention to shut down operations, according to Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, CEO of the Chamber of Independent Power Producers. This could exacerbate the power supply crisis, leading to more widespread outages.
However, there is some hope for improvement. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says it is making efforts to address the financial impasse with IPPs. Speaking on Joy FM, Acting Managing Director of ECG, Ing. David Asamoah, revealed that ECG implemented a weekly payment plan starting October 8, 2024, to clear a $259 million debt owed to Sunon Asogli and other IPPs.
“Sunon Asogli has gone offline because of debts. But the good news is that they are expected to resume operations in the coming weeks as we are close to resolving the issue,” Asamoah said, emphasizing ECG’s commitment to stabilizing the nation’s power supply.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the IPPs confirming or denying the timeline provided by ECG.
Meanwhile, power outages continue, particularly in the evenings, with no clear communication from the authorities on the cause of the persistent blackouts. Many Ghanaians are left uncertain about the reliability of the power supply, especially with critical national events such as the upcoming general elections drawing closer.
The ongoing energy crisis highlights the fragility of Ghana’s power infrastructure and underscores the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainable and reliable energy for the country.
