The Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, has dismissed the reports making rounds about the government’s intention to sell state power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to the Minister, those spreading the information are supposed to know better but have decided to throw dust into people’s eyes.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a working visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company Station in Tema Friday, February 21, 2025, Jinapor explained that although the government doesn’t intend selling ECG, it is seeking private sector participation to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.
“The news items, the publication and the commentary by some people who should know better that we are selling ECG. It’s not true; it will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about the high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
He further spoke about the inefficiencies that have characterised the sector over the years, with funds meant for development projects being used for debt settlement.
“The Minister of Finance under normal circumstances should not be taking the taxpayers’ money which could have been used for other development projects to pay WAPCo. But today we have to squeeze and take money from the budget to pay N-Gas for this $75 million. That could have been used for other developmental projects such as roads, hospitals and other infrastructure projects,” he noted.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the Company’s performance by involving the private sector to ensure efficiency to avert financial losses and increase value.
