The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has clarified that the recent shutdown of the Amandi power plant is not due to outstanding debts but rather an annual maintenance operation. Acting Managing Director of ECG, Ing. David Asamoah, explained that Amandi's cessation of operations is part of a routine maintenance process typically carried out in November.Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 23, Ing.

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Asamoah said, “Amandi has gone off not because of the fact that we owe them, but because they are undertaking their annual maintenance, which is usually done in November.” He further explained that although ECG had tried to negotiate with Amandi to postpone the maintenance, the company could not do so due to insurance concerns.

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“We met with them [Amandi] and tried to negotiate, but their explanation is that if they delay the maintenance, they will lose their insurance cover for their materials,” he added.The shutdown of Amandi, along with the earlier cessation of operations by the Sunon Asogli power plant in October, has contributed to a reduction in Ghana's power supply, leading to the frequent power outages known as "dumsor.

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"Meanwhile, other Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including Karpowership Energy, AKSA Energy, and Cenit Energy Limited, have reduced their power supply, prompting concerns that they might also shut down soon, exacerbating the power supply crisis. However, Ing. Asamoah reassured the public that the situation is not as dire as it seems.

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Regarding Karpowership Energy, he explained that the reduction in power generation was due to a maintenance issue with their pressure control valve. “They have a problem with their pressure control valve, but the good news is that they have flown in an expert to fix it, and it is my hope that by the weekend, if they are able to fix it, Karpowership should be back,” he said.

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Currently, Karpowership, which is contracted to supply 450 megawatts to ECG, is only providing 54 megawatts due to the valve issue. Ing. Asamoah emphasized that the reduced supply is not a result of debt but the ongoing repairs.

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Despite these challenges, the acting ECG MD assured the public that the three power producers—Karpowership, AKSA Energy, and Cenit Energy—are not expected to shut down, alleviating some fears of further disruptions in power supply.

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