The Chamber of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) says its members will shut down their plants in three weeks unless government meets their demands to settle all outstanding indebtedness.
The shutdown potentially could create a huge power shortfall as the IPPs control over 65% of the available thermal generation capacity in the country.
They are owed at least 1.4 billion dollars and government has so far been working around the clock to get them to agree to have these debts restructured.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Elikplim Apetorgbor says members are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
As a result, he reiterated that their June 30th ultimatum given to government to settle its debt still holds.
According to him, the IPPs cannot stretch themselves beyond the June 30 deadline.
“Our conditions or severity of our situation is something that cannot be negotiated. We have done everything possible to manage the situation but it has gone beyond our control. So really, nothing has changed our ultimatum to government, that is the June 30th is still standing,” he said.
Touching on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asking government to undertake an audit of the power plants to ensure it is actually paying the right amount, Mr. Apetorgbor suspects the move is a strategy to delay payment although they have the right to audit.
According to him, the issue with the delay is that “the consequences of any further delay cannot be averted if that is a strategy to delay payment to us.”
“We are open to any kind of audit. I can tell you that this thing has happened time and again – auditing of our invoices. Let me tell you it is just a strategy to buy time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana is leading the talks with the IPPs. Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama insists an agreement will be reached.
Latest Stories
-
Churchill Otieno commends African Journalists at the 3rd African Media Convention
5 mins -
Thiago and Matip to leave Liverpool at end of season
10 mins -
Ghana’s Chief of Staff emphasises essence of journalistic integrity in Climate Change reporting
19 mins -
Minister highlights media’s crucial role in climate change advocacy at 3rd African Media Convention
32 mins -
Brazil named 2027 Women’s World Cup hosts
38 mins -
Renal Patients Association demands fairness in NHIS coverage
39 mins -
Theophilus Berchie: Towards a sustainable future: embracing Mahama’s vision for small-scale mining in Ghana
40 mins -
Voter ID cards of Akosombo Dam flood victims will be replaced for free – EC assures NDC
45 mins -
GJA President calls on African journalists to enhance media freedom with innovative approaches
47 mins -
Election 2024: NPP has no choice but to vacate Jubilee House, hand over power – NDC
48 mins -
7 subtle signs you’re in love with a misogynistic man
49 mins -
Joy Impact Makers Awards 2024: Nominees unveiled
52 mins -
I will order any appointee who engages in mining to resign – Mahama
58 mins -
Mahama won’t be accountable to you because he won’t seek reelection – Bawumia to Ghanaians
1 hour -
Bawumia promises 30% expenditure cut when elected
1 hour