VRA Board Chairman calls for proportional power cuts to Ghana’s neighbours during shortages

Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, the Chairman of the Volta River Authority (VRA), has proposed a fair method of managing power cuts among Ghana's neighboring nations during times of electricity scarcity. He asserts that Ghana should not completely disconnect power to neighboring countries, as they remain valuable markets for the nation. Addressing the VRA's annual stakeholder meeting in Accra, Mr. Amissah-Arthur suggested that the country should share any power shortfall equally with its neighbors.

"We should proportionately reduce power supply if we face a shortage," he stated. "If we cut 30 percent, they should cut 30 percent too." This approach would help maintain relationships with neighboring countries while ensuring fair distribution of electricity during limited supply periods. Amissah-Arthur warns that cutting off power completely to neighboring markets could have severe commercial consequences for Ghana.

He emphasizes that Ghana's neighboring countries have been significant customers for the country's electricity and should not be abandoned during shortages. "If you cut them off completely, you risk losing that market," he cautioned. He highlights the need for the government to provide adequate support to state agencies responsible for energy sector management.

Amissah-Arthur stresses that the proportional supply arrangement has been used by Ghana for many years and should guide the nation's approach to electricity distribution to neighboring markets. "That's how it has been done in the past, and that's what I'm advocating. It's the best way forward."