NDC summons Power Minister over ‘dumsor’

The functional Executive Committee of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has summoned the Power Minister, Kwabena Donkor over the worsening power crisis in the country.

This was disclosed by a deputy General Secretary of the party, Koku Anyidoho.

According to him, the leadership of the party is worried over the danger the power crisis holds for its political fortunes.

“Just last week, the national chairman of the party, Kofi Portuphy called Kwabena Donkor to come and explain to us (Executives) about what is really being done about the power situation.

“So he met us and explained how the problem is being solved. So I can assure you that we have a plan and we will fix this problem,” the former Presidential Spokesperson told Okay FM Friday.

Ghana’s worsening power crisis has resulted in a load shedding exercise by state energy distributor Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

There is a production shortfall which has come about due to lack of gas from the West Africa Gas Pipeline in Nigeria to power some thermal plants across Ghana to supplant production.

Also the country’s three hydro-electric power stations: Akosombo, Bui and Kpong are not running at their full capacity due to low hydrology. The Akosombo Dam which supplies close to 40 percent of Ghana’s power needs is running just four of its six engines. State power producer Volta River Authority (VRA) has given indications that a third engine might be turned off if the situation persists.

Also, the 400-Megawatt Bui Dam has largely been off the production chain. It is only used in emergency situations. President John Mahama and his Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor have said the country is importing two power barges from Turkey at a cost of $250 million to shore up production in the interim by about 450 Megawatts. The barges are expected in the country by April.