Government examines options on AMERI deal – Minister

Mr Boakye Agyarko, Minister of Energy, has said government is looking at all options available to them with regards to the AMERI deal.

He said government is also examining all the decisions in terms of the financial implications to the country.

Mr Agyarko made the revelation when he appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Mines and Energy over the AMERI Energy deal.

The Minister was also at the Committee to respond to questions over the $510 million emergency power deal signed to shore up the country’s energy supply.

Mr Kobina Tahiru Hammond, Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, had filed an urgent motion to have the House rescind its approval as result of possible breaches of the agreement.

Mr K.T. Hammond said AMERI Energy overcharged the government and sublet the contract to Turkish firm, Power Project SANAYI (PPR) at $315 less than what was charged.

The Majority in Parliament has indicated the move to have the deal rescinded over likelihood of misrepresentation.

Minority members of the Mines and Energy Committee have boycotted sitting, arguing they would not be part of any process to rescind the deal.

Mr Agyarko said given the situation the country finds itself it would be better to analyse all the decisions in the best interest of the nation.

He said if their review of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) shows that the abrogation of the power pull would cost $550 million but if the contract is left to run the capacity charge per annum would be $680 million for 13 years.

Mr Agyarko said another alternative for government is for both parties to agree to set aside the contract and enter into re-negotiation with the AMERI group.

He said the government can push for the annulment of the agreement based on established fraud or malfeasance or any such criminal activity.     

Source: GNA