ECG privitisation: Energy Minister sets committee to design roadmap

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition John Jinapor has inaugurated a seven-member committee to advice on a roadmap for the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The minister charged the committee, which is chaired by Jabesh Amissah-Arthur, former CEO of Bui Power Authority to ensure a financial sustainable model, which will guarantee the efficiency of the power distribution sector, including the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

The inauguration of the committee marks one of the first major actions taken by the newly sworn in minister to address issues in Ghana’s power sector.

The move follows a recent report conducted by financial advisory firm, PwC revealing that ECG recorded a net loss of 5.96 billion cedis and a debt of 47.2 billion cedis.

“We have a duty as a government to serve the ordinary Ghanaian,” Mr. Jinapor said.

“What we are seeking to do is to bring efficiency, to bring some level of accountability, transparency, and ensure that we turn things around.” He added.

He charged all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee tasked with reforming the energy sector. “If they get your cooperation, I can come up with a road map that’s acceptable to all of us, but that will ensure that we bring about efficiency,” the Minister appealed.

Mr. Jinapor emphasized the need for the committee to prioritise a fair participation of Ghanaians in the final framework.

“We have always advocated for local content, so in your work always have it in mind that local content participation ought to have a place in ECG’s operation”

He also expressed concern about debts accrued through what he described as ECG’s worrying procurement processes.

In his response, Chairman of the committee, Jabesh Amissah-Arthur pledged the committee’s unwavering commitment to deliver a sustainable solution which will bring value to ECG.

The committee has a timeline of one month to deliver a financially sustainable privatisation model to ensure the efficient running of the power distribution agencies.

The members of the committee include Benjamin Boakye, Dr. Simon Akorli, Ebenezer Baiden, Emma Akua Bulley(Esq), Edward Abrokwah, Dr. Shafic Suleman as secretary and Jabesh Amissah-Arthur as Chairman.

Voice of John Jinapor