The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John A. Jinapor, has reiterated the government’s commitment to swiftly addressing the power supply shortfall caused by ongoing maintenance activities on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).

Speaking to journalists in Tema after a tour of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) Tema Regulating and Metering Station at Bankuman on Friday, February 21, 2025, Mr. Jinapor said that with the planned maintenance exercise, known as pigging, expected to be completed by March 2, 2025, power supply would improve.

The Minister also disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has dispatched him to Nigeria to discuss with the Nigerian authorities ways to reach an agreement with a Nigerian gas consortium to settle outstanding debts amounting to $75 million.

This move follows threats by N-Gas to shut down the gas pipeline that supplies fuel to Ghana’s thermal plants due to the unpaid debt.

At the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Energy and WAPCo issued a statement announcing the cleaning and inspection of a 56-kilometre onshore pipeline section between Itoki and Badagry in Nigeria—an essential part of the West African Gas Pipeline.

The maintenance exercise has disrupted gas flows from Nigeria as well as the reverse flow of gas from Takoradi to thermal enclaves, affecting about 800 megawatts of thermal capacity and significantly straining the national electricity supply.

Mr. Jinapor explained that as an interim measure, the government procured alternative fuels (liquid oils) to power thermal plants while gas remains unavailable. However, he admitted that the measure only allows for power generation to meet demand without a reserve margin, putting immense pressure on the power supply system.

"It's a very difficult task, but the indication I'm getting is that they are on schedule. However, the next one week is very critical because it will determine the extent of the success of the work they are pursuing. All things being equal, at the beginning of next month, we should see the flow of gas, which means that power supply will be much, much more enhanced," he said.

He expressed appreciation to WAPCo officials for their cooperation, noting that the company deferred the planned maintenance from January 20 to February following a passionate appeal from the government to allow for emergency fuel procurement. He pledged to strengthen the relationship with WAPCo to address future challenges.

N-Gas debt and Nigeria visit

The Minister also highlighted another challenge apart from the pigging exercise—the threat by N-Gas to cut gas supply even after the maintenance due to an outstanding liability of about $75 million.

To prevent further disruptions, Mr. Jinapor said the President has directed him to travel to Nigeria to meet with his Nigerian counterparts to negotiate payment terms, including making a partial payment to allow for continued supply.

“This clearly tells you that we inherited a very, very difficult situation, a very challenging situation. Be that as it may, we have to find solutions to these challenges. And our main efforts and concentration are on how we can find these solutions in the immediate term, medium term, but more importantly, the long term,” he said.

He also apologized to Ghanaians for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing power deficit.

The Managing Director of WAPCo, Michelle Burkett, General Manager of Operations and Maintenance, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, and General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Isaac Adjei Doku, assured the Minister that maintenance works were progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the March 2, 2025, deadline would be met.