The worsening state of the country’s power sector has got tongues wagging, particularly since duty-bearers have trumpeted their ability to keep the lights on for eight years. Sadly, at the tail-end of this inglorious achievement, Ghanaians are left wondering whether the issue of power outages will ever be a thing of the past.
For instance, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) has expressed deep concern over the power sector’s worsening state – attributing the decline to operational inefficiencies, mounting debts and mismanagement under the current government, despite it having access to significant resources and opportunities over the past eight years.
While it has been largely held that the sector is on a trajectory of recovery and growth, the IES notes that, rather, the power sector has suffered a significant setback that plays a critical role in impeding the nation’s economy and blighting the lives of citizens.
According to the Institute, government has been wasteful with resources and opportunities it inherited in the power sector. Indeed, the power sector is now beleaguered with operational and financial inefficiencies, mounting debts, mismanagement, diminishing public confidence and questionable choices.
The current but avoidable power crisis demands urgent action to restore investor confidence, stabilise the sector and protect Ghana’s economic growth and social future.
In addition, the Institute posits that restoration of the Asogli power plant alone is insufficient to eliminate power outages. This is because the combined shortfall from other non-operational plants and systemic inefficiencies within the sector mean that outages will persist unless the underlying issues are resolved.
Consequently, IES has called on government to act urgently in addressing the crisis and ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all. “A comprehensive strategy addressing generation, distribution and financial management is essential to achieve long-term stability and reliability in Ghana’s power sector.”
Although the 550 MW Asogli power plant’s restoration is positive, IES explains that the move is a partial step in addressing Ghana’s current power crisis. It is generally agreed that it’s not sufficient to resolve the systemic power outages.
