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Ghana risks sliding back into power rationing by next year if government fails to expand generation capacity and address chronic payment delays to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), energy experts have warned. Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (30 October), Justice Ohene-Akoto, Executive Director of the Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), and Dr. Nii Darko Asante, an energy consultant and former technical director at the Energy Commission, painted a grim picture of Ghana’s energy outlook. According to Justice Ohene-Akoto, Ghana’s energy mix remains dangerously dependent on thermal generation, which constitutes about 70% of supply. “We’re running out of time. If new generation isn’t added in the next ten months, we could face another round of ‘dumsor’,” he cautioned. He revealed that Ghana has failed to meet its renewable energy targets, noting that only 2% of the national energy mix comes from renewables—far below the 10% target set for 2030. “We scored Ghana as a low-performing country in our ASEC index,” he said. Dr. Asante agreed, adding that inefficiencies and theft in the power distribution chain continue to inflate tariffs for ordinary consumers. “When your neighbour steals power, you pay for it. These losses are passed on to the rest of us,” he explained. The experts called for smart metering systems, policy reform, and private-sector participation in revenue collection to reduce ECG’s commercial losses. They also urged government to treat the energy sector as a business, not a political tool. Justice Ohene-Akoto warned that if government continues to delay payments to IPPs, power producers may shut down. “Energy is a national security issue. If IPPs stop generating, Ghana’s economy will grind to a halt,” he said. Both experts highlighted the need for Ghana to strengthen its energy transition framework (2022–2070) by investing in solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects. “We need a hybrid model—keep our oil and gas, but invest heavily in renewables,” Justice stressed. The warnings come as power consumers continue to face rising tariffs despite frequent blackouts. IPPs currently provide 45% of Ghana’s electricity generation, but many are reportedly owed millions of dollars in unpaid bills. Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra). Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale). Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn. X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073 Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3 LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5 Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3. YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra. Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652. #AsaaseRadio #TheVoiceofOurLand
