General News of Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Source: starrfmonline.com

I'll resign if 'dumsor' goes beyond 2015 - Power Minister

Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor says he will resign if the power crisis persists after 2015.

“I’ll resign,” the Pru East MP told Joy FM when asked if Ghanaians should demand his head if his promise that the crisis will end by the end of the year fails to materialise.

Dr Donkor made the promise Monday January 2, 2015 at a press briefing, to end the current erratic power situation.

He said the power ministry is putting in place measures to ensure the crisis is over by December.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Power, permit me to say that we are very much concerned about the current supply challenges confronting the nation and its consequences on industry, homes and the citizenry.

“We wish to assure that we are determined to adopt every strategy necessary to bring an end to the load shedding...what I can say is that load shedding will end this year,” Dr. Donkor said.

Ghana’s energy crisis has worsened in recent years, with the authorities blaming the situation on low water level in the Akosombo dam and lack of gas to power the country’s thermal plants.

Dr. Donkor also explained that the country is shedding close to 440 megawatts during off-peak periods and 650 megawatts during the peak periods.