Minister Inaugurates seven-member committee to explore ECG privatisation options

By Elsie Appiah-Osei

Accra, Jan 24, GNA – Energy and Green Transition Minister, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, Friday inaugurated a seven-member committee to explore privatisation options for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The move is part of the government’s efforts to revitalise the state-owned entity.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, Mr Jinapor explained that the committee’s primary task would be to examine and propose viable models for private-sector involvement that could enhance ECG’s financial and operational sustainability.

The Committee Membership include Mr Jabesh Amisah-Arthur, Chairman and Dr Shafic Suleman, Secretary.

Other members are; Mr Benjamin Boakye; Dr Simon Akorli, Mr Ebenezer Baiden, Lawyer Emma Akua Bulley and Mr Edward Abrokwah.

Mr Jinapor, in his speech at the inauguration, said the move was in response to longstanding challenges faced by ECG, including inefficiencies, financial losses, and growing debt, which have hindered its ability to consistently deliver reliable electricity to Ghanaians.

“…. We believe there should be private sector participation,” he said.

The Minister stressed that privatisation, or some form of private-sector involvement, could provide the resources, expertise, and efficiency required to turn around ECG’s fortunes and enhance electricity supply across the country.

He called for a non-partisan approach to the process, emphasising the importance of neutrality and expertise in the composition of the committee.

“… We will stay off as politicians and let them develop a framework in a transparent, open, and frank manner. Once we get the buy-in of Ghanaians, we can set standards using a Request for Proposal (RFP) or competitive tender process,” Mr Jinapor said.

Mr Jabesh Amisah-Arthur, the Chairman of the Committee, pledged to work diligently to address the concerns of customers, stakeholders, and the sector as a whole.

While acknowledging the importance of financial sustainability in the sector, the Chairman promised the Committee would give attention to recommendations, interventions, and lessons

from past efforts, by emphasising the Committe’s commitment to prioritising homegrown approaches and strategies, to ensure that local private sector entities had the opportunity to contribute to the sector’s development.

“We will do our best to address the concerns of our customers, the owners of the business, the staff, and management,” he said. “… We will consider the main weaknesses of the distribution sector and give priority to homegrown approaches and strategies,” Mr Amissah-Arthur said.

He expressed the Committee’s gratitude for being called upon to provide their services, expertise and reassured stakeholders that the Committee would work tirelessly to bring benefits to the sector and its customers.

GNA