Parliament has approved GH?500m as the 2019 annual budget estimates of the Ministry of Energy.

According to the report of select committee on Mines and Energy,the Ministry has been allocated GH?500m to implement its programmes and activities for the 2019 financial year.

Out of this amount, GH?19m and GH?27m representing 3.9percent and 5.6percent have been earmarked for compensation and goods and services respectively.

Also, an amount of GH?453m representing 90.5percent has been earmarked for capital expenditure.

The Committee noted that out of the total allocation of GH?500m an amount of GH?338.59m, representing 67.6percent will be sourced from development partners.

The Ministry has programmed to complete outstanding works on the interconnection of Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) and the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo) pipeline systems as a means to supply stranded gas in the West for power generation in the East.

The Committee was informed that the terminal valve of the GNGC pipeline has been extended to the West African Pipeline Company fence awaiting tie-in. The Onshore Receiving Facility (ORF) has been completed.

The project, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of the year,2019 will ensure a reliable gas supply for power generation at the eastern power corridor and also enable the government to meet its obligations under the gas sales agreement with ENI.