Independent Power Producer Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited has said it is yet to receive any payment from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), despite previous government assurances.
The Business Development Manager, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, has acknowledged that the government has given assurances to settle the debt.
However, attempts to settle the debt installments have not yielded any significant outcomes, further exacerbating the financial strain on the company.
“We received notification from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department in the first week of our shutdown. They informed us that the Ministry of Finance authorized them to pay us $30 million, but they are having some challenges.”
“It was during the week of salary payments, and they have to split this payment into five or six tranches. We are in November, and not even one tranche has been received, but the assurance was that they would try to pay one tranche during their week of salary payment, with the rest coming before the end of October. Here we are, not even one of the tranches has been paid,” he said in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, announced last week that he has directed the Controller to disburse $30 million to the power supplier. This was in the wake of its decision to shut down its 560MW power plant due to an outstanding debt of $259 million owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Although the prolonged debt has significantly impacted the company’s ability to operate efficiently, Dr. Amin accused Sunon Asogli of acting in bad faith. However, Dr. Apetorgbor stated that Dr. Amin should have verified whether the payment had been made before going public.
“It is unfortunate that the Ministry of Finance has been reduced to an official propaganda office. It is such a sensitive office to be used for that. I advise that whatever information the Finance Minister provides or shares with the public, he should double-check to ensure that he is dealing with the right information,” he said.
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