Former President John Dramani Mahama is pleading with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) not to carry out their threat to shut down their plants across the country.
If carried out, Mr Mahama noted that the action would have devastating consequences for the nation.
According to him, this must be done without delay as it will create unbearable pressure on businesses and livelihoods.
In a Facebook post on Friday, June 30, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer for the 2024 polls urged the government to engage the power producers on the matter urgently.
“As a concerned citizen, I would like to make a plea to the Chamber of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reconsider their decision to shut down their plants effective July 1, 2023.”
“If the IPPs, who account for almost half of the country’s total power generation and over two-thirds of Ghana’s thermal power, go through with this plan, it will have a disastrous impact on Ghana’s economy and negatively affect the lives and livelihoods of countless Ghanaian families.”
“I strongly urge the government to take immediate action and initiate discussions with the IPPs to find a sustainable solution to the impending power crisis.”
Mr Mahama added, “It is imperative that these discussions begin without delay and be given the highest priority.”
With just a day to the expiration of the deadline given by the Independent Power Producers to shut down over outstanding arrears, the group is yet to meet the government for a favourable response prompting this latest order.
The two parties were expected to meet this week to agree on demands for a 30 per cent interim payment of the arrears.
The IPPs argue that without receiving payment by the close of June 30, they will be unable to sustain the national grid.
“We are determined to get results at all costs,” a statement from the IPPs said.
IPPs play a significant role in Ghana’s energy sector, controlling 47 per cent of the country’s total power generation mix and contributing 67 per cent of Ghana’s thermal power.