The Shutdown of Sunon Asogli Will Compel Ghana to Over-Import Power

 The Institute for Energy Security has expressed apprehension over the energy situation in the country after the Sunon Asogli Power Plant shut down operations. The Sunon Asogli Power Plant contributes a total of 560 megawatts to the Ghana grid but was forced to shut down due to the Electricity Company of Ghana's failure to pay its dues. The development, according to IES, might force the country to resort to the importation of power to keep the lights on.

In an interview with Citi News, Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of IES, explained that even before the shutdown, Ghana had been importing electricity for four weeks, particularly from its neighbor, Côte d'Ivoire. He warned that soon the general effect of Sunon Asogli's shutdown may start to manifest, more so as the country leaves the rainy season where energy demands have always been low.

The situation raises serious concerns about the sustainability of power supply in Ghana. Importing electricity is merely a temporary solution and does not address the structural issues of ECG in terms of inefficiencies, underinvestment, and political interference.

Nana Amoasi VII said that since the intervention of the Ministry of Energy averted the same shutdown last year, long-term solutions must be found. He called for further investment in ECG operations and better management to prevent any shutdowns in the future. He also remarked that if meaningful reform was not done, then the energy crisis could worsen and even reach economic interests and daily life.