By The government, through the Energy ministry, has mandated the suspension of electricity exports to neighboring countries as a measure to address the ongoing erratic power supply. This directive was announced by Samuel Atta Akyea, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy and MP for Abuakwa South Constituency.
For approximately a month, the country has been grappling with persistent power fluctuations, resulting in some regions experiencing prolonged blackouts.
This decision comes shortly after Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Generators, Ghana (IPGG), accused the Volta River Authority (VRA) of excessively exporting power. He claimed that this practice was undermining the country’s ability to fulfill its domestic power requirements.
But Speaking in interview Samuel Atta Akyea revealed the move is to reaffirm the President’s commitment in resolving the prevailing instability in the power supply.
He said ‘’I don’t know whether the order has been carried out, but I hear it’s been given. That, by reason of what is happening the President is saying and I believe it is eminently sensible that: ‘Look, no matter what you are raking in from external export of electricity, stop it and let us benefit first.
“Because you know the president has been very strong and powerful in terms of giving us power al this seven years. So if anybody is very much concerned in terms of legacy delivery then it’s the president. And I’m sure he’s going to do everything to secure us normal power as you’ve enjoyed this seven year.”
He mentioned that additional discussions with different stakeholders in the energy sector will be conducted to decide on the implementation of the directive.
Meanwhile, Derrick Xatse, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Energy Security (IES), expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the measure. He stated that the country’s power exports make up an insignificant portion of the total energy demand.
During an interview on the Starr Midday News, Derrick Xatse articulated, “If you’re producing 3600 Megawatts per day, which is the total energy demand of the country, and you’re exporting barely less than 300 Megawatts, thinking that will resolve the energy crisis, then you’re likely off the mark.”
He emphasized that the government needs to tackle the root cause of the problem, which is the financial issues afflicting the sector. Xatse highlighted that suspending power exports will only provide temporary relief and not address the underlying issue.
