Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state petroleum resources (gas), says Nigeria will address and resolve outstanding issues related to gas supply to Ghana.
According to a statement on Thursday, Ekpo spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Ghanaian President John Mahama on the sidelines of the meeting of the committee of ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), held in Accra on April 29.
On February 20, reports circulated that N-Gas Limited informed Volta River Authority (VRA), the main generator and supplier of electricity in Ghana, about the suspension of gas supply to the West African country due to unpaid debt.
Similarly, on June 14, 2024, Ghana’s state-owned electricity companies announced an interruption in power supply over reduced gas supply from Nigeria due to maintenance work.
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During the discussion, Ekpo emphasised Nigeria’s dedication to maintaining its partnership with Ghana in the gas sector, assuring Mahama of “Nigeria’s readiness to address and resolve outstanding issues related to gas supply to Ghana under the WAGP framework.”
Ekpo also urged Mahama to ensure that Ghana’s relevant agencies meet their financial commitments for gas supplies without delay.
The minister requested the Ghanaian leader to instruct concerned authorities to fast-track the proposed fiscal amendments to the WAGP Act.
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He said the amendments are aimed at adapting to changing operational conditions and preserving regional harmony as outlined in the treaty.
Additionally, Ekpo sought Ghana’s continued backing for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, which is intended to strengthen regional energy security and foster economic cooperation.
In his response, Mahama thanked Ekpo for his visit and assured him that Ghana would remain diligent in fulfilling its financial commitments to the WAGP project.
Mahama also affirmed his country’s support for maintaining regional harmony through the proposed amendments to the WAGP Act.
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West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), the owner and operator of the WAGP, has been responsible for transporting gas from Nigeria to Ghana, Benin, and Togo.
