Business News of Monday, 4 November 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ministry of Finance has been reduced to a propaganda office - IPP denies payment of $30 million

Business Development Manager of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor Business Development Manager of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor

Following the Ministry of Finance's directive to the Controller and Accountant General's Department to pay a $30 million debt owed to Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, the Independent Power Producer (IPP) has said it has not received the said amount.

According to the Business Development Manager of the power plant, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, he is surprised that the Ministry of Finance has been reduced to an official propaganda office of government.

Speaking on Citi Business News, he said his outfit, during the first week of the shutdown of their power plant had earlier received notification from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to have their due given them in six tranches.

He stated categorically that not a single tranche has been paid to them as of November 4, 2024.

Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor explained that, “We received notification from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department in the first week of our shutdown. They informed us that the Ministry of Finance authorized them to pay us $30 million. But they are having some challenges."

“It was in the week of salary payments and they have to split this payment into five or six tranches. We are in November, and not even one tranche has been received but the assurance was that they will try and pay one tranche in their week of salary payment and the rest will come before the end of October. Here we are, not even one of the tranches has been paid," he added.

He further said, “It is unfortunate the Ministry of Finance has been reduced to an official propaganda office. It is such a sensitive office to be used for that. I will advise that whatever information the Finance Minister provides or shares with the public, kindly double check to ensure that you are dealing with the right information.”

The Ministry of Finance on Sunday, November 3, 2024 issued a directive to the Controller and Accountant General's Department to pay a $30 million debt owed to Sunon Asogli, an Independent Power Producer.

This is part of a new agreement aimed at resolving the debt issues that led to the shutdown of the 560-megawatt power plant.

The shutdown of the 560MW power plant was due to an outstanding debt of US$259 million owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

SA/MA

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