Ghana’s energy sector privatization is a highly debated topic, with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at the center of it all. The government’s plan to introduce private sector involvement in ECG’s operations has sparked opposition from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana and the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU).
These unions argue that privatization won’t resolve the deep-seated challenges in the energy sector, which they believe stem from political interference, mismanagement, and poor revenue collection.
Instead, they propose strategic reforms, including an independent board for ECG, depoliticization of management appointments, and stronger regulatory oversight.
Former Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, Mr. Ishmeal Agyekumhene, however, supports privatization as a necessary trade-off to address power outages, despite potential higher electricity bills.
It’s worth noting that Ghana has attempted privatization in the past, with mixed results. For instance, the failed Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal in 2019 and the privatization of Ghana Water Limited, which led to worsened service quality and was ultimately reversed.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
