Recommissioning of AMERI Power Plant: A Controversial Move

On April 17, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to re-commission the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project, formerly known as the AMERI Power Plant. This decision has sparked heated debates and criticism from various quarters.

The AMERI Power Plant was originally inaugurated in 2015 during the administration of former President John Mahama. It was procured under a build-own-operate and transfer (BOOT) arrangement, with the aim of producing a total of 250 megawatts of power to bolster Ghana’s energy generation capacity.

The decision to rename the plant to the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant has drawn sharp reactions. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has been particularly vocal in its criticism. They describe the move as “another lie and deception of the clueless, dishonest, and incompetent Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.”

The relocation of the AMERI Power Plant from the Western Region to Kumasi has raised eyebrows. The NDC questions why scarce resources—approximately $30 million—are being used for this exercise. They argue that these funds could have been better utilized to address pressing issues affecting Ghanaians, such as healthcare or infrastructure.

The controversy surrounding the recommissioning and renaming of the power plant underscores broader concerns about transparency, financial prudence, and the nation’s energy sector. As President Akufo-Addo prepares to unveil the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Project, the eyes of Ghanaians remain fixed on the outcome.

Whether this move will enhance system voltage and stability or exacerbate existing challenges remains to be seen. The legacy of the AMERI Power Plant lives on, now with a new name and renewed scrutiny.