Chair of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, has announced plans for the committee to engage with all stakeholders in the power sector.
The meeting follows President Akufo-Addo’s directive to halt the export of power to neighboring countries until the domestic power situation is resolved.
Expressing skepticism that any stakeholders would oppose the directive, Atta Akyea emphasized the President’s prioritization of Ghanaian interests.
He acknowledged potential consequences but argued that safeguarding domestic power needs is paramount.
During an interview on the mid-day news with Beatrice Adu on 3FM, Atta Akyea remarked, “The President’s concern for the nation is evident. We have encountered unprecedented challenges in recent years, and it’s imperative that we focus on resolving our domestic power issues before considering export. While there may be repercussions, the overarching concern must be the welfare of Ghanaians.”
He continued, “I believe there will be unanimous support for this decision. It’s regrettable that financial interests may have hindered our ability to address our energy needs effectively, while neighboring countries benefit at our expense.”
Regarding the timeline for implementation, Atta Akyea indicated that stakeholder engagement scheduled for Saturday would address such operational details.
The directive to cease power export coincides with comments from Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, CEO of the Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG), advocating for prioritizing Ghanaian electricity consumers.
Apetorgbor’s remarks followed the Volta River Authority’s rebuttal of his assertions regarding the impact of power exports on domestic supply.
In response to VRA’s statement, Apetorgbor underscored the urgency of addressing Ghana’s energy crisis and advocated for redirecting available resources to benefit Ghanaian taxpayers.
“The attention of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has been drawn to a publication in the electronic media which attempts to suggest that the VRA is not meeting its power supply obligation to the Ghana market due to excessive export of power to neighbouring countries.
“This assertion which is attributed to the Independent Power Generators Ghana, is not only erroneous but misleading,” the statement by the VRA said.
It added “The VRA wishes to state that since 1972, the Authority has been supplying power to neighbouring countries without reneging on its mandate to deliver reliable and affordable power to Ghana; and this the Authority continues to do.
“Also, it is important to mention that the allocation of the power generated from the Akosombo and Kpong hydropower stations is supervised by the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP) and not the VRA.
“By this arrangement, the allocation always prioritizes the Ghana market, in accordance with government policies to ensure long-term optimization of the nation’s hydro resources”
He highlighted disparities in energy tariffs between Ghana and neighboring countries, urging immediate action to halt power export for the benefit of domestic consumers.
Apetorgbor cautioned against allowing economic interests to overshadow the welfare of Ghanaians and called for unbiased consideration from regulatory authorities, emphasizing the need to address the current energy shortfall affecting citizens and businesses alike.
“We are currently in crisis, Ghanaians are sleeping in darkness, companies cannot operate with a guaranteed power supply, there is a shortage in supply, etc., making the available cheap hydrogeneration to Ghanaians, the taxpayer, is supreme and must be of prime consideration, irrespective of your survival concerns.
“Why should jurisdictions that contribute nothing to Ghana’s economy be prospering on a cheap resource? Ghanaians are paying very high tariffs, averaging 14 cents/kWh particularly at peak time, while those neighbouring countries enjoy about half of the tariff. This is not fair to the Ghanaian. Energy Commission will be seen as biased to other participants in the sector, if this export is not stopped immediately for the benefit of the Ghanaian taxpayers. We are aware of situations in the recent past where load shedding is high and at the same time over 200MW of generation capacity is being exported.”