Ekumfi coal-fired project begins September

• Posted on April 5, 2016
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

THE proposed construction of a coal-fired plant at Ekumfi to boost power generation and supply in the country

will commence in September this year, according to authorities of the power sector.

The 2000-megawatt project, which is expected to be constructed by Shenzhen Energy Group from China at a cost of about US$1.5 billion, will use about two million tonnes of coal per year to run when completed. The coal will be imported from South Africa and Columbia.

Also to be constructed alongside the plant is a coal harbour with approximately 50,000 tonnes berth.

The projects, to be funded through the China Africa Development Fund, are to be undertaken in phases, with the construction of the 1st phase expected to commence by September, this year.

About 800 acres of land have already been acquired at Ekumfi Aboano, near Otuam, where the project is expected to be constructed.

Speaking at a public hearing held at Ekumfi Essarkyir to sensitise the public, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Ibrahim Kweku Dawson said the project was one of the numerous social interventions of government.

According to him, this particular project has been geared towards meeting the growing demand of electricity in the country, adding that it will also put the district on high pedestal of development whilst creating jobs.

The Member of Parliament for the Ekumfi Constituency, Abeiku Crentsil, on his part, asked for job security for the residents when the project is completed.

During the open forum, many residents expressed worry about environmental pollution and the negative effects likely to be experienced, and wondered what exact stop-gap measures authorities have put in place in the event of any eventuality.

Farid Shamsu-Deen, who is the Deputy National Coordinator of ‘350 Ghana: Reducing Our Carbon’, an NGO fighting against climate change, believes the construction of the facility was a dangerous move and gamble for Ghana.

He argued that it will have dire consequences on Ghanaians, and, therefore, called on authorities to consider alternative means of increasing power generation rather than applying coal.

The Technical Manager of Volta River Authority, Jacob Brown Yawson, however, allayed the fears of the people, saying reliable and safer technologies will be applied to minimise any environmental pollution.

From Zambaga Rufai SAMINU, Ekumfi