Audio By Carbonatix
Ghana's power crisis is likely to worsen if the Minority in Parliament carries out its threat to sue government over a tripartite agreement reached between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Electricity Company of Ghana and Karpower International for the deployment of 450 megawatts power ship to Ghana.
The minority insists government cannot hide behind a power crisis they created to violate the country's laws with impunity.
In a "letter of comfort" signed by the Finance Minister Seth Terkper and sighted by Joy News, the GNPC is expected to issue two bank guarantees each costing $50 million to Karpower International.
"By this letter of comfort government commits to respect all international and local investment laws under the PPA," the letter stated in part.
But the Minority is incensed by government's decision to sidestep Parliament in carrying out this transaction.
Speaking to Joy News Member of Parliament for Effutu Alexander Afenyo Markins quoted Article 181 (5) of the constitution which states emphatically that Parliament must give approval for any international commercial transaction entered into by government.
Quoting the recent Supreme Court ruling on Isofoton and Waterville, Afenyo Markins said government cannot proceed with this transaction without involving Parliament.
He did not understand why on a very important case like power crisis, government failed to come before Parliament even under a certificate of urgency for the people's representatives to debate the matter, but on a relatively less important cases like the Kasoa interchange and others, government found the need to recall MPs from holidays to come and peruse those transactions.
Why not this transaction, he asked.
"We are in power crisis situation and the MPs cannot be asked to debate the transaction?
"Can't we ask the Committees on Energy and Finance in Parliament to peruse this transaction and bring it to the plenary for us to debate this issue?
"Let's be serious," he charged.
Afenyo Markins suspects a possible "underhand dealings" by government officials.
He said that will be the only reason why government will seek to sidestep Parliament in carrying through this transaction.
He warned the minority will not sit idle whilst government breaks the law with impunity.
He said they will proceed to the Supreme Court if government remains adamant and acts ultra vares.
Latest Stories
-
Andre Ayew Backs Grassroots Sports as Ghana-Anhui Chamber Donates 2,120 Items for Constituency Games
2 minutes -
Hostel Owners Association accuse Rent Control of threats, unfair treatment to operators
8 minutes -
NSA opens special desk to resolve Ghana Card, school biodata mismatches
10 minutes -
Ghana hosts Kenya, Netherlands, South Africa for talks on turning climate plans into action
27 minutes -
‘Now it’s action, no talking’ – Rent Control cracks whip on hostel operators
30 minutes -
GACC, Save Our Environment Foundation train Tano South residents on corruption and accountability
32 minutes -
MOGMusic to headline Ransomed Ministries Ghana’s Total Worship 2026
36 minutes -
Multimedia Group pays courtesy call on Petrosol ahead of GSE listing
45 minutes -
Gov’t acknowledges unresolved grievances over mining damage, displacement
46 minutes -
Joy FM to host maiden Back-to-School PrayerFest ahead of new academic year
49 minutes -
Ghana must legislate minimum community development obligations for mining companies – Mireku Duker
59 minutes -
GoldBod costs could have been minimised with better planning – Prof. Bokpin
1 hour -
GoldBod operations imposing losses on BoG balance sheet – Prof Bokpin
1 hour -
Mining must improve lives in host communities, not just national figures – Presidency
1 hour -
Nigeria influencer arrested after seizure of cocaine worth $28m destined for the UK
1 hour