The Minority in Parliament has accused the Presidency of exerting pressure on the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) to sign a controversial $800 million contract with Phoenix Park Gas Processors Consortium.

According to the Minority, this alleged deal, pushed through under suspicious circumstances without parliamentary approval, is at the root of the ongoing power outages and load shedding across the country.

Addressing journalists on the issue, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, revealed that the country recorded a power deficit of over 500 megawatts on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The shortfall had a negative impact on customers across the country.

“Because of such dubious contracts, as we speak, there is load shedding ongoing. GRIDCo has been cautioned not to inform customers. On [September 24], there was a deficit of more than 500 megawatts. On [September 25], they are going to shed a load and customers in Ghana will be affected," he stated.

The recent wave of power outages has been attributed to challenges at the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) gas processing plant. According to the Minority, the ongoing load shedding is a result of dubious contracts signed by the government through the Ghana Gas Company.

In addition to the contracts, Jinapor highlighted financial challenges within the energy sector, noting that Tullow Ghana, a key supplier of gas to Ghana Gas, has not been paid for gas supplied over the past nine months. This debt has now led Tullow to consider halting its gas supply to the country.

“Tullow Ghana has not been paid even $1 for the past nine months for gas supplied to Ghana Gas and Tullow is threatening to curtail supply of gas," he said.

Jinapor further revealed that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have also sent a letter to the Minister of Finance, warning of their intent to stop the supply of power due to outstanding debts of around $1.2 billion.

The Minority expressed grave concern about the state of the energy sector, describing it as being on the verge of collapse. The caucus is calling for urgent interventions to address the financial and operational challenges plaguing the sector, stressing that continued inaction could lead to prolonged power outages.

“The IPPs have just dispatched a letter to the Minister of Finance intending to halt the supply of power for debt and liabilities hovering around $1.2 billion. Sadly, the energy sector is collapsing,” Jinapor warned.

The Minority’s claims come at a time when many Ghanaians are expressing frustration over the resurgence of load shedding and unreliable power supply. The government is yet to respond to these allegations.