Power barge arrives at Effasu Mangyea mini harbour

Effasu (W/R) March 10,GNA- The "Osagyefo" Power Barge meant for the generation of electricity at Effasu-Mangyea in the Jomoro District of the Western Region, berthed at the Effasu Mangyea mini harbour on March 7.

The barge had remained at the Sekondi Naval base since October 13, 2002 after a three-week trip from Italy where it was built.

Mr Martin Nyamekye-Ackah, Jomoro District Chief Executive who inspected the barge said its arrival at the harbour was an indication that government had not abandoned the project.

Mr Joseph B. Aidoo, Regional Minister told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Sekondi that the delay of the barge at the Sekondi Naval Base was due to the high and unfavourable sea tide at Effasu-Mangyea. The barge which has two single cycle heavy-duty gas turbine units could produce a total of 125 megawatt of power.

The barge was procured in 1995 through the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation credit facility from the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan at 12.195 billion Japanese Yen (120 million Dollars). It weighs about 10,900 tonnes and is 77 metres long with 161 kilovolts gas insulated switch-gear, a control room, fire fighting and miscellaneous auxiliary systems.

The transmission lines, communication facilities and other necessary works have been completed.