Generating sets imported into the country at an estimated cost of US$120 million are lying idle at Tema while many state institutions are unable to provide for their power needs.
The generating sets which were described as �toy machines� by Dr Charles Wereko-Brobbey, former Chief Executive of the Volta River Authority have not produced even a unit of electricity over the last three years and more. They were brought into the country by the Kufuor administration as an emergency measure during the power crisis.
At the time many energy experts pointed out that the importation of the �toy machines� could not be a viable solution to Ghana�s energy crisis. Some engineers who spoke to The Insight said the government will have to quickly take a decision on what to do with the �toy machines� before they degenerate.
�They can be sold cheaply to neighbouring countries or we can decide to use them as stand by generators in our hospitals and educational institutions, but the decision needs to be taken now,� said an engineer.
Some of the generators can produce only up to one megawatt of electricity and the biggest amongst them produce up to two megawatts.
The cost of generating power with the �toy machines� is 10 times more
than hydro generation, which is put at about three cents per unit.
If the government fails to deploy the �toy machines� quickly, the state is most likely to lose substantially.
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