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AMERI deal cannot be abrogated– ACEP

The government of Ghana could end up paying huge judgement debts if it goes ahead to abrogate the AMERI power deal, the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has warned.

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The 17-member committee that reviewed the report recommended that the deal be canceled after concerns were raised regarding a $150million commission paid to AMERI Energy.

The committee uncovered some lapses in the in the power contract between AMERI and government.

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According to the committee, a bill of $510m was paid for a $360m plant in the B.O.O.T agreement. This led to the committee recommending that Ameri be invited to give reasons for the $150 commission.

Deputy Executive Director at ACEP, Benjamin Boakye however says AMERI is not at fault and government would have a lot to lose if it should pursue renegotiation.

He says, AMERI cannot be held responsible for any wrongdoing for just conducting a business transaction. He added we cannot compel AMERI as they used our own security to go get the money to address our challenge. If they should be any reconsideration, AMERI would have to agree first.

The Director says any appeal for renegotiation would only be justified in light new evidence that to prove any fraudulent act on the part of AMERI.

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The previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has however debunked the any speculations of overpricing the deal. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah who is the immediate past Communication Minister contends that the deal couldn’t have been overpriced as plants are no more sold at ex-factory prices.

According to Dr Omane Boamah, per the agreement with AMERI, the Government of Ghana through the Volta River Authority (VRA) will only make payments to AMERI for power produced and supplied to the VRA just like any other Independent Power Producer (IPP).

He also challenged the authenticity the committee’s report as no member of the of the previous NDC administration was contacted before the report was published.

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