President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has issued a directive to suspend the export of electricity to neighboring countries, impacting Togo and Ivory Coast.
Samuel Atta Akyea, Chair of the Energy Committee of Parliament, defended the decision, emphasizing the President’s commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians. He acknowledged potential repercussions but underscored the priority of serving domestic electricity demands.
Addressing concerns in an interview, Atta Akyea highlighted the unprecedented strain on Ghana’s power supply and stressed the President’s duty to prioritize national interests. He acknowledged the potential backlash but emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the well-being of Ghanaians.
The decision to halt electricity exports coincides with Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, CEO of Independent Power Generators Ghana (IPGG), advocating for prioritizing Ghana’s electricity distribution. He criticized the export of power to countries that contribute minimally to Ghana’s economy, particularly amid domestic electricity shortages.
Apetorgbor’s comments prompted a rebuttal from the Volta River Authority (VRA), refuting claims of neglecting Ghana’s energy needs due to excessive exports. The VRA reiterated its commitment to fulfilling Ghana’s energy demands while adhering to government policies and regulatory oversight.
In response, Apetorgbor emphasized the urgency of addressing Ghana’s energy crisis, highlighting disparities in electricity tariffs between Ghana and its neighbors. He argued for immediate cessation of exports to ensure fair access to affordable electricity for Ghanaian taxpayers, especially amidst recent instances of power shortages.
