In some parts of Ghana, electricity cuts are expected to last three more weeks due to a shortage of gas supplies from Nigeria.
According to a statement from the state power firm, a temporary closure for maintenance works at an unnamed Nigerian gas supplier was to blame.
The demand for more electricity has continuously increased over the past two decades, partially due to rapid population growth and urbanisation.
To stop the deficit, Ghana’s government will have to pay around $400m (£315m) to purchase gas and liquid fuel for power plants.
Experts say a growing debt may be the reason for the power shortages that began earlier this year.
The Electricity Company of Ghana which is the state power company owes about $1.2billion to private energy producers, Nigerian suppliers included.
A statement released by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) revealed that Togo and Benin were also suffering gas shortages.
To spread the available supplies as much as possible in Ghana, officials have said they will carry out load-shedding, with the promise to manage the disruptions effectively.
Ghana gets much of its electricity from hydro and thermal sources, but these are often poorly maintained, leading them to depend heavily on gas.
What They’re Saying
The Electricity Company of Ghana had on Thursday released a joint statement with the Ghana Grid Company:
“We wish to assure the public that we are collaborating with other stakeholders… to ensure minimal impact of the reduction in gas supply on consumers.”
