Ghana: New power plant to be constructed in Western region

A Norwegian energy company is to construct a 360-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle thermal power plant at Inchaban in the Shama District in the Western Region, to augment power supply in the country.

The company, Jacobson Jelco Ghana Limited, is proposing to construct a 360 MW combined-cycle power plant that will be run with natural gas and light crude oil. It will be constructed as a public-private partnership project.

The construction of the plant, to be located on a 45-acre land, is expected to start next year after the completion of all the necessary documentation and processes.

Already the company has paid compensation to 32 farmers who have been affected by the project. In line with the project, a public hearing on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (EIA) has been held to provide an opportunity to discuss the potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures to address key public concerns.

Speaking at the public hearing, the Western Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Mr Yaw Sarfo-Afriyie. explained that the purpose of the gathering was also to provide a platform for the company to make a presentation on the project for all to have a deep insight into it.

To ensure transparency and confidence in the EPA process, one cannot have a process better than this forum', he said, adding It is also to promote the acceptability of the project, especially for those in the project communities'.

Mr Sarfo-Afriyie said the consultation would not be limited to only the pre-constructional and the constructional phases, but also 'we shall continue to consult you if need be, so that together we work towards attaining the goal of sustainable development and also ensure a better future for all”.

The Director of Project Development of Jacobsen Elektro, Mr Lars Due said the company had extensive experience in power production and distribution and has been in business for 120 years. About 80 per cent of the company's business in Africa, he added.

The Environmental Specialist of Jacobsen Elektro, Mr Steffan Asplund said the company would identify all negative impacts the project would have on the environment and the people and develop mitigation measures to deal with them.