Ghana Fuel Crisis: Just 2.6 Days of Power Left, Minister Says
Ghana’s Fuel Crisis: Energy Minister Confirms Only 2.6 Days of Power Fuel Left, but Relief on the Way
John Jinapor, Ghana’s energy minister, has expressed serious concerns about the nation’s power supply, pointing out that there is only 2.6 days of fuel available to support electricity generating. During a meeting with the Select Committee on Energy of Parliament on Thursday, May 15, 2025, he disclosed this information.
Amidst the severe circumstances, the Minister offered some consolation by declaring that 450,000 barrels of petroleum would arrive this weekend. He gave the Ministry of Finance credit for making the purchase possible, which is anticipated to bring some short-term stability to the energy industry.
Jinapor addressed the wider energy problem by stressing the urgent need for a US$1.1 billion financial infusion to obtain liquid fuel for the country’s power plants. He clarified that Ghana faces power shortages as a result of shutdowns by Independent Power Producers (IPPs), who are owing a total of more than $1.7 billion, if the money is not given right now.
One particularly concerning circumstance concerns Karpower, a significant supplier to Ghana’s electrical grid, which has threatened to cease operations by May 18 because of more than $400 million in outstanding debt. If it happens, this impending shutdown might make the already precarious electrical supply even more vulnerable.
The crisis’s systemic causes were also emphasized by the minister. The inability of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to collect all of the payments from customers, which leaves them with a monthly deficit of around GH¢2 billion, is one of these.
Furthermore, the central government must pay for expected costs exceeding $15 billion because liquid fuel costs are not taken into account by the current tariff structure. Although the situation is dire, Jinapor reassured the public that there is no need for alarm. While the government seeks a long-term solution to the energy and financial issues ailing the industry, the impending fuel cargo is anticipated to provide temporary respite.
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