Mr. John Jinapor, Ghana’s Energy Minister has raised alarm over the country’s power crisis, revealing that only 2.6 days of fuel remain for electricity generation.
Appearing before Parliament’s Energy Committee on Thursday, the Minister warned that unless GH₵1.1 billion is urgently secured to procure liquid fuel, the nation could face severe power disruptions in the coming days.
“We only have fuel to last 2.6 days. The situation is dire. Some fuel has already been purchased on credit, and we are working with the Finance Ministry to clear these debts.” he said.
The Minister noted that without swift financial intervention, power plants risk grinding to a halt, a prospect that could leave homes and businesses in darkness.
To help ease the burden on the national grid, the government is considering bringing in private partners to help manage the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a move aimed at increasing operational efficiency and boosting revenue.
He also mentioned how many public institutions are failing to pay their electricity bills as another contributing factor. Ghana Water Limited, for example, has reportedly gone seven months without settling its power charges, placing additional pressure on the already-strained energy sector.
In response, the government will now require all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to include electricity bills in their annual budgets. Only critical services, such as hospital wards, labs, and operating theatres, will be exempted. School dormitories and dining halls, however, will not be spared.
“We must all take responsibility. This is not a challenge the Ministry can resolve alone. Every institution must do its part if we’re to avoid future blackouts.” Jinapor added
