Ghana faces imminent power crisis as Energy Minister warns of fuel shortage

The Minister of Energy, John Jinapor, has issued a fresh warning about an impending nationwide power crisis, revealing that Ghana currently has less than three days’ supply of liquid fuel to run its power plants.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Energy on Thursday, May 15, Mr. Jinapor said the ministry is urgently working to secure billions of cedis to pay for fuel shipments that have already been ordered.

While some of the fuel was obtained on credit, he cautioned that the absence of immediate funding could severely disrupt power generation across the country.

He further noted that the Ministry of Finance is involved in ongoing discussions, but its limited financial capacity is a major hurdle.

Mr. Jinapor emphasized that even essential institutions including those in healthcare, education, national security, and the presidency need adequate budgetary provisions to meet their energy needs.

Meanwhile, John Jinapor, has revealed that Ghana urgently requires billions of cedis to purchase liquid fuel to maintain power generation, warning that the country faces the risk of a complete shutdown if immediate funding is not secured.

He explained that the government currently owes over $1.7 billion to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and that an additional $1.1 billion is urgently needed for fuel procurement. During his address to the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the gravity of the financial situation.

He also highlighted that Karpower, one of the country’s primary power suppliers, has threatened to close its plant unless the outstanding debt is paid.

Mr. Jinapor cited several factors contributing to the financial shortfall, including an insufficient reserve margin in the tariff structure and persistent revenue gaps from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).