The Ministry of Energy and Green Transitions, led by John Jinapor, has announced the imminent arrival of 450,000 barrels of light crude oil as part of urgent efforts to stabilize the country’s power generation capacity. The move comes amid reports that Ghana currently has just 2.6 days’ worth of fuel stock for power plants, sparking public concern over potential blackouts.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, May 15, Jinapor acknowledged the low fuel reserve figures but emphasized that the government is taking decisive action to prevent a crisis.
“On fuel stock, we did indicate to them that we have 2.6 days of fuel,” Jinapor said. “But I also did say that fortunately, the Ministry of Finance has supported us—we’ve procured 450,000 barrels of light crude oil arriving this weekend.”
This emergency fuel shipment, Jinapor noted, is intended to bridge the supply gap and maintain stable power generation as the government works on longer-term energy security measures.
While Jinapor sought to reassure the public that the situation is under control, the low fuel stock levels highlight the ongoing challenges facing Ghana’s energy sector, including rising demand, supply chain disruptions, and financial constraints.
The Minister’s comments come as parts of the country have experienced intermittent power outages in recent weeks, leading to widespread speculation about a potential return to the severe power cuts, or “dumsor,” that plagued the nation in the past.
Jinapor, however, insisted that the government is prepared to manage the situation, pointing to recent investments in alternative energy sources and improved fuel procurement strategies as part of a broader effort to enhance energy security.
“No—[there is no looming power crisis],” he said confidently, adding that the incoming crude shipment should help stabilize the power sector and prevent any significant disruptions in the coming weeks.
Energy analysts, however, caution that without sustained investment in infrastructure and diversified energy sources, Ghana’s power sector could remain vulnerable to similar shocks in the future.
