President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is no longer experiencing power outages, commonly referred to as dumsor. He attributed the improvement in electricity supply to measures introduced by his administration to settle outstanding debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and establish a more reliable payment system. This development was made known during his address to members of the Ghanaian community in Moscow, Russia.
According to President Mahama, his government inherited approximately $1.7 billion in outstanding payments to IPPs, alongside arrears owed for gas supplied from the Jubilee Field and by ENI. These financial difficulties had strained relations between the government and power producers, with some threatening to cut off electricity supply over unpaid bills. The President's administration has been working to resolve these issues.
President Mahama disclosed that the government had settled its outstanding debts to IPPs and was now current with payments for electricity supplied to the national grid. He stated that any energy supplied today is being paid for, indicating a significant improvement in the government's payment record. This development has helped restore confidence among power producers.
To address remaining energy-related obligations, the administration has put in place a separate payment arrangement involving initial payments and subsequent settlements as they become due. This move has contributed to the stability of electricity supply in the country. President Mahama emphasized that the measures have been effective in managing the energy sector.
The President maintained that Ghana currently has enough electricity to meet its consumption needs, assuring Ghanaians of the government's progress in addressing challenges within the energy sector. He expressed satisfaction with the dramatic improvement in the management of the energy sector. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and daily life.
President Mahama's announcement is a significant relief to Ghanaians who have been experiencing frequent power outages in the past. The government's efforts to settle outstanding debts and establish a reliable payment system have been crucial in resolving the issue. The President's assurance of stable power supply is expected to boost confidence in the government's ability to manage the energy sector.
The government's progress in addressing energy sector challenges is a notable achievement, according to President Mahama. He emphasized that the country's energy needs are being met, and Ghanaians can expect a stable power supply. The President's address to the Ghanaian community in Moscow highlights his administration's efforts to engage with citizens and provide updates on key national issues.
Key points
- President Mahama says Ghana has sufficient electricity to meet national demand.
- The government has settled outstanding debts to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
- A new payment arrangement has been established to address remaining energy-related obligations.
