Ghana's power producers urge government to pay $1.4 billion debt

ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's independent power producers have rejected a government proposal to restructure a $1.4 billion debt owed them by the West African nation, the chief executive of their lobby group said on Thursday.

Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the head of Ghana Independent Power Producers Chamber, told Reuters they could not guarantee power generation if the government failed to meet debt its obligation.

"Members have accrued huge arrears with their suppliers for which they are already in default and accruing associated penalties. We cannot continue defaulting on our obligations," Kwabla Apetorgbor said.

The gold, cocoa and oil-producing country is struggling with its worst economic crisis in a generation.

It secured a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in December for a $3 billion loan, but needs to restructure its debt and get assurances from its lenders as a condition for the IMF's board to sign off the programme.

Ghana defaulted on its external debts in December and has sealed a domestic debt swap. It has requested a restructuring of its bilateral debts via the G20's Common Framework vehicle.

The power producers are resisting a move by the government to restructure the debt owed to them.

"It's very important government prioritize payment to us at this critical point," Kwabla Apetorgbor said, adding that turning the power off is not an option for now.

The independent power generators control over 60% of Ghana's available thermal power generation capacity, he added.

"But if we are constrained, sincerely we can't guarantee generation," Kwabla Apetorgbor said.

(Reporting by Christian Akorlie; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Bate Felix and Sandra Maler)