The Government of Ghana has assumed ownership of the power plant installed and operated by Africa and Middle East Resource Investment (AMERI)
This is after AMERI’s control of the plant run its course in the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) deal.
On Thursday, an official handing over ceremony was held in Takoradi with the Ministry of Energy taking over the plant on behalf of the government.
“Based on the recommendations of an independent engineer contracted to conduct the condition survey, a punch list was subsequently drawn between Government and Ameri, pursuant to the terms of the original agreement,” Deputy Minister for Energy, William Owireku Aidoo stated during the handing-over ceremony.
“I am happy to announce that government is satisfied that the rectification works recommended have effectively been carried out by Ameri and that the plant at the end of the BOOT agreement is fit for purpose.”
The 230 megawatts plant had originally been due for handing over in February 2021, after the erstwhile administration of John Dramani Mahama had sealed the deal in 2015 before leaving power shortly aftewards.
However, the government owed AMERI US$92million and had therefore opted to extend the BOOT deal with the company.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Energy explained the extended payment period of 60 to 72 months agreed between the Government of Ghana and AMERI has been completed.
According to the Ministry, before the end of the term, work had gone on to ensure a seamless transfer of the plant from the contractor to the Government of Ghana.
The works included a condition survey of the equipment to confirm that it has been maintained in accordance with the Original Equipment Standards during the period of operation.
The power deal was initially signed at a cost of US$510 million for five years.