Audio By Carbonatix
Former Power Minister, Kwabena Donkor has cast doubts over government’s ability to find a new concessionaire to fulfil the power agreement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Dr. Donkor says instead of rushing into such a contract, a national discussion should be held on the way forward regarding power distribution in the country.
His comments follow government’s termination of the controversial concession agreement with the Power Distribution Service (PDS) over “material and fundamental” breaches.
Already, the US partners, MCC, who are aiding Ghana with some $500million to boost the power sector as part of a deal to allow private sector participation have noted the decision to cut off PDS with “regret.”
The decision was “unwarranted,” a statement from the US Embassy said.
However, the Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta in his letter to the MCC says he wants to use restrictive tendering to replace PDS.
The MCC in response ignored this request and only noted that the second tranche of the money, $190million was no longer available to Ghana as a result of the PDS contract termination.
Mr. Ofori Atta is set to address the nation on the way forward in the coming days.
Building on sentiments already expressed, Dr. Donkor told JoyNews’ UpFront programme on Wednesday that a national conversation should be held rather than rushing into another concession.
“You don’t just box yourself with one option,” he told host of UpFront, Raymond Acquah.
Questioning the motive for a new concessionaire, the Pru East MP wondered if the government is trying to please its US partners at the expense of national interest.
He suggested options such as using the stock exchange or a management contract for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Meanwhile, ECG has resumed total control of power distribution since the exit of PDS.
Public Relations Officer of ECG, Yaw Adjei Larbi says the change won’t cause any material changes such as job losses.
Latest Stories
-
Pray – THE LAW 101: The Vacation Roster dilemma and the reality of Court Recess (Part II)
20 minutes -
Trump hid in catering truck in secret plane swap over Iran threat, reports say
26 minutes -
Inside the Secret Service ‘shell game’ to hide US presidents in plain sight
28 minutes -
GEA seeks Gender Ministry’s support for Female Future Programme
39 minutes -
Driver beaten to death over misunderstanding at Gomoa Achiase
49 minutes -
Bagre Dam spillage: 68 communities in Northern region alerted as Burkina Faso monitors water levels
50 minutes -
ECG announces power outages in Central, Eastern and Western Regions on Thursday
53 minutes -
THE LAW 101: Tempus Non Currit – Why the sacred silence of the Legal Vacation protects justice (Part I)
2 hours -
God does not take campaign instructions
2 hours -
Government moves to address rising accommodation costs at KNUST
2 hours -
Cristiano Ronaldo marries longtime love Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal
2 hours -
Political parties, judiciary must reform themselves to protect Africa’s democracy – Asiedu Nketia
2 hours -
Luv FM High School Debate: T.I AMASS advances as IBASS makes impressive debut
2 hours -
Greater Accra Business Merit Awards honours SIM Group of Companies
2 hours -
Cyberbullying : When social media becomes a tool for public humiliation
2 hours