Former Power Minister and NDC MP for Pru East, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has shed light on the relocation of the Ameri power plant, stating that it serves a strategic purpose rather than just increasing power generation.
He emphasized that the move plays a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and reducing losses during transmission for GRIDCo.
During an appearance on News File, Dr. Donkor explained that the decision to relocate the plant was part of a plan by the National Democratic Congress government in 2014 to establish power generation in the middle belt of the country. However, challenges with fuel availability hindered the initial implementation of this plan.
He highlighted the advantage of having generation in the central corridor, citing the reduction of transmission losses and grid stabilization as key benefits. Dr. Donkor also pointed out that GRIDCo’s indebtedness to the Volta River Authority (VRA) is a result of transmission losses exceeding approved limits by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The former minister emphasized the importance of balancing power generation across different corridors to prevent grid instability. He expressed concerns raised by the NDC regarding the cost of relocating the plant and the renaming of the facility, especially considering the opposition by the NPP during its acquisition process.
With the ongoing discussions surrounding energy sector dynamics and infrastructure, Dr. Donkor’s insights provide valuable perspectives on strategic planning and operational efficiency in Ghana’s power sector.
