The Director General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, has broken his silence on the growing national conversation surrounding the potential privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
In an interview, Prof. Kpessa-Whyte revealed that SIGA is currently analyzing the 2024 report submitted by ECG, with a specific focus on governance-related matters.
“I have called for a governance analysis of ECG,” he noted. “This analysis will allow us to know what kind of decisions were taken, by whom, and how those decisions have contributed to the current challenges that have captured public attention.”
According to him, the governance report will serve as a critical foundation for determining the future direction of ECG.
However, he was quick to caution that this report, by itself, may not be enough to determine whether privatization is the right path.
“ECG is not just any business entity. It is a strategic institution that affects every household, every business, and the broader economic opportunities in this country,” he emphasized. “Any decision regarding its ownership structure must be thought through carefully.”
The Director General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, maintained that a deeper and more comprehensive assessment is necessary before reaching a final decision, but expresses his personal stance on the privatization of ECG.
“At a personal level, I don’t think ECG should be privatized. I want to put that on record for a number of reasons,” he stated firmly. “We also need to think carefully—privatization is not the only option. Within the framework of public management, there are a large number of tools and strategies we can apply to improve the efficiency and operations of ECG.”
Story by Freedom Lavoe
