450,000 imported barrels of crude oil expected to stabilize power supply

The Energy Ministry has assured Ghanaians that there is no need to panic about power cuts, despite the current shortage of fuel for electricity generation.

Richmond Rockson, the Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry, explained that steps are already being taken to deal with the issue. His statement came after Energy Minister John Jinapor raised concerns during a meeting with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy on Thursday, May 15.

At the meeting, the Minister warned that Ghana’s current fuel reserves for power generation could only last about 2.6 days. He described the situation as serious and said it needed urgent attention.

However, in an interview on TV3’s New Day show on Friday, May 16, Richmond Rockson said new fuel supplies have already been arranged. “As at the time the Minister was speaking, we only had less than 3 days cover for light crude oil. The update now is that we have made provision for import and we will be expecting 450,000 barrels of light crude oil between today (Friday, May 16) and tomorrow (Saturday, May 17),” he said.

He added, “And with that people’s fear that they were going to sleep in darkness will be averted.”

Beyond the fuel shortage, the Energy Minister also addressed other challenges facing the sector. He revealed that the government plans to meet at the Cabinet level to find long-term solutions. One of the options to be discussed is the possibility of allowing private sector participation in the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This, he said, could help improve efficiency and increase revenue collection.

Minister Jinapor also highlighted the problem of some state institutions not paying their electricity bills. He pointed out that Ghana Water Limited has not paid for power in the last seven months. “Ghana Water Limited has not made any payment for the past seven months to the ECG but continues to consume the power,” he said.

He explained that such practices add more pressure to the already struggling power sector, and called for more accountability and financial discipline among public agencies.