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Jinapor proposes payment plan to WAPCo

Published

4 weeks ago

February 24, 2025

Mr Jinapor (right) with Ms Michelle Burkettor (middle) and other officials during the tour of the West Africa Gas Company at Tema Photo: Victor A. Buxton

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, is appealing to the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to consider accepting a down payment and a tentative payment plan to settle its outstanding debt of about $75 million.

According to him, the current economic situation of the country would not permit a full payment of the debt owed WAPCo, which had threatened to cut gas supplies to Ghana after completing its pigging operation in early March.

WAPCo is currently conducting a comprehensive pigging operation—cleaning and inspecting its offshore pipeline—to ensure the system’s safety and efficiency.

The operation involves launching Pipeline Inspection Gauges (PIGs) from Tema to Takoradi to clean and assess the pipeline’s interior. The maintenance began on February 5, 2025, and is scheduled to be completed by March 2, 2025.

During a working visit to the WAPCo station here on Friday, Mr Jinapor was proposing a part payment of the debt upfront and a scheduled repayment plan for the rest.

This comes as a way to avoid power disruptions, as about 800 megawatts of power had been curtailed owing to the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Takoradi to Tema to make way for the maintenance works.

“If by the time the pigging is completed and there’s no gas flowing, we are going to run into a major crisis”, the Minister said.

He indicated that the state had to spend about $100 million to procure liquid fuel to power the thermal plants in an interim, a situation he described as not the best option.

“The effect is, we’re producing just enough to meet demand. We have no spare capacity, we have no reserved margin, putting a huge strain on supply of power”.

Mr Jinapor disclosed plans to visit Nigeria under directive of President John Mahama to meet Nigeria Gas to deliberate and negotiate a payment plan to forestall potential power disruption.

As of February 20, 2025, WAPCo has completed approximately 70 per cent of the maintenance work including replacing critical subsea valves at strategic locations in Tema and Cotonou, to enhance operational safety.

FROM KEN AFEDZI, TEMA

News

Declaration of Monday, 31st March 2025 and Tuesday, 1st April 2025 as Public Holidays

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Ministry of Interior has declared Monday, March 31, 2025 and Tuesday, April 1, 2025 as Public Holidays

“The general public is hereby informed that Sunday, 30th March, 2025 or Monday, 31st March, 2025 marks Eid-Ul-Fitr which is a Statutory Public Holiday,” the ministry noted in a press statement

According to the ministry “In view of the fact that 30th March 2025 falls on a Sunday and in the interest of the public, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has by Executive Instrument (E.I.), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601) declared Monday, 31st March 2025 and Tuesday, 1^{^st} April 2025 as additional Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country.”

News

Strengthen Anti-Money Laundering Laws in Ghana – Interior Minister

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has called for strengthened anti-money laundering laws in Ghana, urging the Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to collaborate in this effort.

During a meeting with a GIABA delegation led by Director-General Edwin Harris, Muntaka Mubarak emphasised the Government’s commitment to supporting GIABA’S work in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

The Director-General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin Harris acknowledged Ghana’s active participation in GIABA operations and encouraged continued collaboration.

Mr. Harris stated that Ghana has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering laws, with the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2020 (Act 1044).

The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Okletey Teilarbi, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of FIC, Albert Kwadwo Twum Boafo and other officials from the Ministry, GIABA and FIC.

News

Interior Minister reaffirms commitment to Enhancing Ghana’s Security Architecture

Published

2 hours ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has acknowledged the critical role the Police Service plays in maintaining peace and stability and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s security architecture.

Speaking at the Ghana Police Service Regional Commanders’ meeting, the Minister assured international partners, businesses, and investors, that Government remains committed to providing a secure environment, and ensuring necessary security measures are in place to facilitate uninterrupted business operations.

Muntaka Mubarak commended the Inspector General of the Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno for initiating an orientation for Regional and Unit Police Public Relations Officers.

According to him, the programme aimed to enhance community engagement, share crucial information, and foster trust between the police and the public.

In his remarks, the IGP, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno stated that the meeting provided an opportunity for them to reflect and strategize for the year ahead.

Mr. Yohuno also advised the officers to uphold the highest professional standards, emphasising the need for discipline and ethical conduct in discharging their duties.