Ghana has successfully acquired 450,000 barrels of fuel to combat the ongoing power generation crisis and stabilize electricity supply across the nation.
Confirmed by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the fuel shipment arrived at Tema Port and will be allocated to power plants, especially those run by independent power producers (IPPs), to alleviate recent fuel shortages causing widespread outages.
The move comes after weeks of erratic power supply, with many communities facing extended blackouts due to insufficient fuel for thermal plants. Just last week, Energy Minister John Jinapor warned of an imminent nationwide power crisis, revealing that reserves had dwindled to less than three days of fuel for electricity generation.
Speaking to Parliament on May 15, Minister Jinapor highlighted the urgent need for billions of cedis to pay for additional fuel supplies already ordered. While some fuel has been secured on credit, financial constraints remain a threat to continuous power generation, with the Ministry of Finance currently limited in its ability to provide further funding.
Thanks to the recent delivery, the crisis has been temporarily averted. Richmond Rockson, Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy, said in an interview the fuel will help prevent outages for a considerable period.
He explained that alongside the recently received light crude oils (LCOs), other liquefied fuels and gas are available to meet varying demands, ensuring a more stable power supply.
Rockson also noted that fuel procurement is an ongoing process, often challenged by financing issues since fuel costs are not included in the electricity tariff structure.
The Ministry of Energy is working on restructuring plans to address these challenges sustainably, aiming to guarantee consistent power for all Ghanaians moving forward.
