Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has criticised Sunon Asogli Power Plant Limited for halting its operations over unpaid debts owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The power company, which generates 560 megawatts, ceased production due to ECG’s $259 million debt, sparking fears of a return to “dumsor” — the rolling power cuts that have previously disrupted Ghana’s economy.

Speaking at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., Dr. Amin Adam assured the public that steps are being taken to resolve the debt issue, and an agreement is expected soon. This, he said, would help maintain stability in the country’s power supply.

“Sunon Asogli submitted their final agreement for review, and we agreed on most terms, except one key issue that led to the shutdown,” he said. The Finance Ministry had previously made a one-off payment to independent power producers, including a planned $30 million for Asogli. However, the company later requested an additional $30 million, a demand the government declined to meet.

Dr. Amin Adam explained that Sunon Asogli insisted on receiving the extra payment before finalising the agreement, which he described as unreasonable. He also noted that the company unexpectedly increased their demand to $60 million and threatened to shut down operations unless it was paid, a move he criticised as “bad faith.”

The Minister expressed concern that the company might be using the issue to exert pressure on the government ahead of upcoming elections. Despite these tensions, Dr. Amin Adam reassured the public that negotiations are ongoing to prevent any disruptions to the power supply.

Source:TheDotNews