The Minister for Information, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, has dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama’s claim that the government owes Independent Power Producers (IPPs) two billion dollars.
Speaking to the media in Accra, Madam Abubakar clarified that the accurate debt owed to IPPs is one billion dollars, and this is from reliable statistics from the IPPs themselves. She highlighted that the government has reached agreements with five out of the seven IPPs to restructure the debts, ensuring a steady power supply.
The minister also mentioned that the government is renegotiating Power Purchase Agreements with these five IPPs and is working diligently to address power supply shortfalls. “The government is making significant efforts to secure adequate funding for the energy sector, ensuring that VRA, ECG, and GRIDCo can maintain reliable power transmission,” she said.
In addition to these measures, Madam Abubakar announced plans to decentralize government communication through regional townhall meetings and exhibitions, starting at the end of July. These events will involve regional and sector ministers, along with key government appointees, who will answer questions from journalists and community members about government projects.
Topics to be discussed at the townhall meetings will include roads, health, education, water, and sanitation infrastructure, among other community concerns. The aim is to enhance transparency and accountability in government projects and to gather feedback for the presidency.
