The Minority in Parliament has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening financial crisis in Ghana’s power sector, alleging that the government owes more than $700 million to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and fuel suppliers.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, April 28, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, stressed that the sector’s challenges extend beyond technical disruptions to significant financial constraints.
“We also know that the problems of the sector are not only technical; they are financial,” he stated, pointing to mounting liabilities as a key concern.
Debt Figures Contradict Government Claims
According to the Minority, available data indicates that the government owes over $500 million to IPPs and an additional $200 million to fuel suppliers involved in electricity generation.
“The data available to us is that the government owes IPPs over $500 million and over $200 million to companies that supplied fuel for power generation.” - Mr. Adomako Mensah
These figures appear to contradict earlier assurances by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, who had suggested that outstanding debts within the sector had been cleared.
The Minority argues that the discrepancy raises serious questions about transparency and the true financial health of the energy sector.
The group is now demanding urgent clarification from government, particularly regarding the utilisation of the Energy Sector Levy, commonly referred to as the ‘Dumsor levy.’
Mr. Adomako Mensah called on both the Energy and Finance Ministries to provide a comprehensive and independently verified report on the levy.
“We are calling on the Minister for Energy and the Minister for Finance to, within the shortest possible time, lay before Parliament and publish a full, detailed and independently verified report on the one Ghana cedi Dumsor levy.” - Mr. Adomako Mensah
He emphasised that the report should cover total collections, disbursements, and the impact of all expenditures tied to the levy.
Broader Implications for Power Stability
The Minority warned that unresolved financial obligations could undermine the stability of Ghana’s electricity supply, particularly if IPPs and fuel suppliers face delays in payments.
They maintain that restoring confidence in the sector will require not only technical fixes but also clear financial accountability and sustained policy discipline.
As concerns mount, the government is expected to respond to the claims and provide clarity on the sector’s financial position amid ongoing power supply challenges.
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