Government Saves US$1.4 Billion For Deferring Three PPAs - Energy Minister

The Minister of Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, says the Akufo-Addo-led Government has saved the nation US$1.426 billion for deferment of three emergency Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) since 2019.

The Minister said, the amount saved for deferring Early Power Plant, Jacobsen Power Plant and Rotan Power Plant, could construct 62 sports stadia like that of Tamale Sports Stadium.

He explained that the decision to defer the three power purchase agreements was under Government's rationalization of the 40 PPAs signed by the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration between 2012 and 2016 when the country was facing energy crisis, otherwise known as 'Dumsor'.

Additionally, the ruling government saves the nation US$445 million annually in the power sector because of prudent management of the energy sector, he added.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, made the disclosure at the Minister's briefing, organized by the Ministry of information, in Accra on Sunday.

The media briefing aimed is at updating the public on key government interventions and ongoing works on power transmission infrastructure upgrades to ensure reliable and sustainable power supply.

The media encounter held on the topic: "Ensuring Reliable and Affordable Power within the Energy Sector" afforded the Minister the opportunity to provide details of ongoing works at the Pokuase Bulk Supply Point (BSP), Kasoa BSP, plans to ensure payment of affordable electricity tariffs, status of load shedding in eastern parts of Accra and key government policies and programmes on the energy sector.

Dr Opoku Prempeh said government had approved the Energy Sector Recovery Programme(ESRP), which was being implemented to ensure long-term financial sustainability of the energy sector.

That, he said, culminated in the relocation of the Karpower Plant to the Ashanti Region for the supply of power to the middle and northern belts, payment of GHc2.63 billion electricity bills owed ECG, and plans to ensure that the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) adjust electricity tariffs.