National Theater struggling as ECG cuts power over 600,000 cedi debt

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cut power to the National Theatre due to its inability to settle its 600,000 cedis debt for 2014 alone.

The National Theater has been forced to rely on a power plant whenever it is booked for a programme.

This arrangement is taking a toll on the company’s operations because relying on the generator comes with its own challenges.

Whenever the power plant breaks down during an event, it causes embarrassment.

Recently it broke down during a production by drama company, Roverman Productions, and brought the play to a hold for more than 30 minutes.

CEO of the company James Ebo White expressed his disappointment with the development.

Managers of the facility say they are handicapped when it comes to settling the debt it owes the ECG.

The Acting Executive Director of the National Theatre, Amy Appiah Frimpong, says there are discussion with the power supply company to spread the arrears over a 24-month period.

The ECG could only offer six months leading to a breakdown in negotiations.

National Theatre is a very attractive location for big indoor events in Accra and it charges organizations that hire its facility.

Management has been explaining why it has not been able to pay its utility bills despite renting out the Theatre.

For now the Managers of the facility say they are working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Creative Arts and the ECG to get the issue resolved.

The National Theatre which was opened in 1992 was built by the Chinese and offered as a gift to Ghana. The Theatre is governed by the National Theatre law 1991, PNDC Law 259.

It is a stand-out architectural edifice in Accra
Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|EA