<<Print>>

The Acting Power Minister Seth Terkper says calls for a timetable for the current power crisis are too early. This comes as businesses demand a timetable to help plan their activities.

The power crisis which has persisted since 2012 according to the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) has seen businesses lose 2.2 million daily during the peak of the power crisis last year.

Today a 650 megawatt power deficit persists which means most parts of Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi are without electricity. But speaking on Joy FM Tuesday, Finance Minister and acting Power Minister, Seth Terkper explained that too many unexpected problems have resulted in the crisis but insists Ghanaians do not need a timetable just yet.

Meanwhile, the Minority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu is questioning the long delay in the appointment of a substantive minister for power. The Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor resigned on December 31 2015 and since then no one has been appointed. But the Minority leader says current challenges with energy supply in the country makes it urgent for the President to act.

He was responding to a communication from the president announcing new ministerial appointments. But Mr. Kyei Mensah Bonsu maintained that the Finance Minister may be handicapped in handling the Power Ministry effectively.

He noted that as a very sensitive ministry, it needs a substantive Minister to stir the affairs to resolve the power crisis. The Minority leader added that deputy Power Minister, John Jinapor might not be an option since according to him, he [Jinapor] is aspiring to be Member of Parliament ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Mr. Kyei Mensah Bonsu called on President John Mahama to as a matter of urgency appoint a new person to handle the Power Ministry.