The government has agreed to give more time to VALCO to close down potlines that would be affected by the decision to reduce its consumption of power from Akosombo Dam.

A statement signed by Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey said a government team was discussing with representatives of VALCO how to mitigate the effects of actions that needed to be taken. The statement said the government's step is in line with an appeal made to the Government and VALCO by an Accra High Court to minimise mutual inconvenience.

The High Court last week dismissed an ex-parte motion filed by VALCO in its attempt to reverse the government's decision to reduce the level of power to the company by midnight on February 20.