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The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has cast doubts over whether government can meet its objective of importing two emergency power barges from Turkey to ease the current power crisis in the Ghana.

Government has announced plans of bringing in two additional power barges to augment the country’s energy capacity and ease the erratic power situation.

But in an interview with Citi News, the Executive Director of ACEP, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam rubbished the directive, insisting that government does not have the needed resources to fuel and house the barges for its intended purpose.

He said, “I am doubtful because even where the barges will be put, they have not prepared the grounds. So even though government said that it will come within the next two months, I am of the view that it may come somewhere October to December and I am challenging government to tell me I’m not speaking the truth.

“Recently, they have asked GNPC to provide the $100 million [funding] but that is not the mandate of the GNPC and even the fuel to power the barges Ghana is not ready,” said ACEP’s Executive Director, adding that, “This is why we have called on government to declare a three-year crisis and take its time to address these issues.” 

The move received widespread criticism, with several commentators arguing that it will come at a cost to the taxpayer, but the Power Ministry defended the decision stating that the barges are necessary to supplement the country’s energy demands.

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had also reiterated similar sentiments, saying he is convinced that government does not seem to have the financial muscle to engage in the venture.