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afrol News, 5 February - The Ghanaian electricity supply is barely enough to meet demand and rainfall last year had been very low, local specialists are warning. An energy crisis may very well strike the capital and rural provinces. Albert Kan-Dapaah, Ghanaian Minister of Energy, on Monday told Ghana News Agency demand for power was 1,290 megawatts while supply was pegged at 1,190 megawatts, "making it impossible for the creation of any backup." - Should there be any breakdown in the power generating units or shortfall in supply, authorities will have to resort to power rationing, the minister warned the public. Import of hydroelectric power also was less than probable, as neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire even was threatening to cut off supply because of Ghana's inability to pay. Following a severe energy crisis in 1997/1998, Ghana started to expand and diversify its energy sources over the last years. Ghana is urging for the completion of the proposed West African Gas Pipeline, where it would be the main recipient of gas from Nigeria, transported to markets in Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The vast majority of Ghana's generation capacity is hydroelectric, with major facilities located at the Akosombo (912 MW) and Kpong (160 MW) dams. Thermal generation facilities are located at Tema and Takoradi. All facilities are however currently producing less electricity due to little rainfall last year and poor transmission lines. The Ghanaian government is considering an additional hydroelectric project to be built at Bui on the Black Volta. The Bui project would have a generation capacity of 400 MW. The main trend in Ghanaian energy policies has however been towards a lesser degree of dependence on rainfed power. Sources: Based on Ghana News Agency
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