The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has refuted claims suggesting that the government plans to sell the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). These assertions, he clarified, are baseless and do not reflect the government’s agenda for the country’s energy sector.
Speaking to the presidential press corps at Jubilee House on Friday, March 7, following President John Dramani Mahama’s second cabinet meeting, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining state ownership of these crucial energy distributors.
“Let me be clear: the government has not made any decision to sell ECG or NEDCo. What we are exploring is a strategic partnership to enhance the efficiency of revenue collection, which remains a key challenge for these entities,” the Minister stated emphatically.
He further explained that the proposed partnerships aim to strengthen financial sustainability and operational efficiency while ensuring that ECG and NEDCo remain state-owned. According to him, these efforts will contribute to addressing the longstanding issues of financial leakages and underperformance in the energy sector.
The Minister also highlighted the critical role ECG and NEDCo play in ensuring the steady supply of electricity across Ghana, particularly in underserved regions. He assured the public that any measures adopted by the government would prioritize national interest and safeguard public assets.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by the public, but I want to assure Ghanaians that ECG and NEDCo remain valuable public institutions. Any intervention we undertake will be to improve their performance and ensure their sustainability—not to privatize them,” he reiterated.
In addressing the public, Mr. Jinapor called for calm and urged citizens to dismiss the rumors about the alleged sale of ECG and NEDCo. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that any significant policy shifts in the energy sector would be communicated openly and inclusively.
The clarification follows growing public concerns fueled by misinformation regarding the future of Ghana’s power distribution companies. Mr. Jinapor’s remarks have been widely welcomed as a reassurance of the government’s commitment to protecting public assets while enhancing efficiency in the energy sector.
The government’s focus on strategic partnerships underscores its broader vision of driving sustainable energy growth and addressing revenue bottlenecks that have plagued ECG and NEDCo in recent years. As the sector navigates these changes, stakeholders and the public alike are optimistic about reforms that prioritize efficiency without compromising public ownership.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
