The highly anticipated 225MW power barge will enter Ghanaian territorial waters on Thursday, but would get to its final destination at Tema on Saturday.
Reports indicate the power barge was scheduled to reach Tema on Friday, however, delay in documentation and routine formalities at the Abidjan port where the power barge was offloaded by the Black Marlin caused the one-day setback.
Accra-based Citi FM reports the Karpower barge that was built by Turkish engineers is expected to dock at the Tema port on Saturday November 28, 2015 at around 8:00 am local time.
“Upon arrival President John Dramani Mahama is expected to formally inaugurate and inspect the power barge in some 10 days,” according to the station’s business desk.
The power barge is expected to be complemented by a 250MW power plant already going through the final process to feed the national grid.
Power producer, Volta River Authority (VRA) brought in the 250MW plant from Africa and Middle East Resource Investment (AMERI) to mitigate the country’s power deficit.
The AMERI power plant, according to the Power Ministry should be feeding the national grid by next week.
Meanwhile, Joy News sources say Government is yet to secure the crucial funding to fuel the Karpower barge.
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation had indicated it had guaranteed the payment for the fuel subject to clearance from another financial institution, however, it seems that confirmation has not been completed.
Head of Joy News’ Energy desk Israel Laryea explained that the delay was as a result of a slight hold-up involving two banks that were expected to provide the guarantee.
Another bank has been given that responsibility and Joy News sources say the bank is very close at providing the guarantee.
The Karpower barge is expected to sell power at 12 cent per unit which is equivalent to 44 pesewas.
Customers would have to bear the full cost, and with service providers and Public Utility Regulatory Commission arguing for the need to increase tariff, upward adjustment of electricity should be expected.
Ghana has been experiencing severe power crisis for many years now.
Source: myjoyonline