[ 2015-02-20 ]

NDC summons Power Minister over ‘dumsor’
The functional Executive Committee of the ruling
National Democratic Congress (NDC) has summoned
the Power Minister, Kwabena Donkor over the
worsening power supply in the country.

This was disclosed by a deputy General Secretary
of the party, Koku Anyidoho.

According to him, the leadership of the party is
worried over the danger the power crisis holds for
its political fortunes.

“Just last week, the national chairman of the
party, Kofi Portuphy called Kwabena Donkor to come
and explain to us (Executives) about what is
really being done about the power situation.

“So he met us and explained how the problem is
being solved. So I can assure you that we have a
plan and we will fix this problem,” the former
Presidential Spokesperson told Okay FM Friday.

Ghana’s worsening power crisis has resulted in a
load shedding exercise by state energy distributor
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

There is a production shortfall which has come
about due to lack of gas from the West Africa Gas
Pipeline in Nigeria to power some thermal plants
across Ghana to supplant production.

Also the country’s three hydro-electric power
stations: Akosombo, Bui and Kpong are not running
at their full capacity due to low hydrology. The
Akosombo Dam which supplies close to 40 percent of
Ghana’s power needs is running just four of its
six engines. State power producer Volta River
Authority (VRA) has given indications that a third
engine might be turned off if the situation
persists.

Also, the 400-Megawatt Bui Dam has largely been
off the production chain. It is only used in
emergency situations. President John Mahama and
his Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor have said the
country is importing two power barges from Turkey
at a cost of $250 million to shore up production
in the interim by about 450 Megawatts. The barges
are expected in the country by April.

Source - Starrfmonline

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