The Sunon Asogli Thermal Plant has been closed, removing 560 megawatts (MW) of power from the national grid.
The government’s debt to the power generator caused the plant to close.
The independent power producer said in a letter to Pulse.com.gh that it had permanently closed its plant and was therefore suspending operations.
It stated that the government’s failure to meet its financial obligations to the power plant’s management was the reason behind the decision.
The letter reads: “Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited Company announces with regret an indefinite suspension of operations at the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, effective Monday, December 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. This difficult decision became necessary due to avoidable delays in payment from the GoG/Electricity Company of Ghana for power supplied, as well as the unproductive engagements to find an amicable solution” to the indebtedness.
The business also claimed that its operational capacity had been severely impacted by the mounting unpaid bills, and that it was no longer viable to continue without resolving these financial issues.
Meanwhile, if you are a car owner in Ghana, then starting 2024, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), under the President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia government has imposed an Excise Duty (tax).
Ghanaian vehicle owners are expected to pay an amount of GHc100 compulsory tax for owning a car, motor, or any other moving machine that uses petrol or diesel.
However, failure to pay this newly imposed tax by the NPP government will attract a prison sentence for tax evasion.
Akpeteshie, an alcoholic beverage made locally, will now cost more to consumers.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the minority leader, has criticized the administration for including a 20% “Akpeteshie” tax in the 2024 budget.
Additionally, he took issue with the government’s proposed increases on gasoline and diesel taxes for Ghanaians.
He objected to the GH¢100 annual tax that would be imposed on all gasoline and diesel cars, including aboboyaas, trotros, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, and ambulances.
