Ghana uncomfortable with power importation

The Minister of Energy, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah on Friday said government is uncomfortable with the continued importation of electric power from La Cote d'Ivoire.

He said that is why the government is committed to the West Africa Gas Pipeline Project, which he described as offering hope for the future industrialisation and economic growth of the country.

"As much as possible Ghana must depend on her own reliable supply of power and we urgently need to pursue this to drive our industrialisation and economic growth forward," he told the US Ambassador Ms Kathryn Dee Robinson who called on him.

The two discussed issues relating to the energy sector, especially possible US support and assistance.

Mr Kan Dapaah praised the contributions of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in support of the gas project and the Aboadzie thermal plant.

He appealed for more financial assistance to complete the additional 110-mega watts to the thermal plant to bring its capacity to the required 660-mega watts.

This, the Energy Minister, said, is essential if the country is to produce the required energy to boost the drive for industrialisation.

Ms Robinson said her government shares similar views about the importance of the Gas project to the economic development of Ghana and other countries in the sub-region.

She said the project is a concrete demonstration of what countries in the sub-region could do to spur economic development.

Ms Robinson said affordable and reliable electricity would attract investment, adding that the US has a high commercial interest in the country and it is prepared to collaborate with Ghana in the development of the productive areas.