The CEO of Independent Power Generators has called for a multifaceted approach to fixing Ghana’s energy sector challenges.
Speaking on TV3’s flagship news analysis and current Affairs show AGENDA, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor lauded government’s effort to reset the energy sector.
Ghana’s energy sector has been mired in debt, a situation that threatens the energy security of the country. At this year’s Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, President John Mahama reiterated the dire state of energy sector, and promised to pay legacy debts in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Dr. Apetorgbor explained that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) “should cooperate with the new government to find a lasting solution to the outstanding debts”.
On the question of private sector participation in Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG) operations, Dr. Apertorgbor clarified that “PSP s one of the solutions, but the sector’s challenges are multifaceted and require multifaceted solutions”.
His comments come at a time when the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) owes a staggering GHS 67 billion as of March 2025, according to Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, who disclosed the figure while responding to a parliamentary question from Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, MP for Keta.
Answering the question on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, June 4, Dr. Jinapor admitted that ECG’s indebtedness remains a major challenge for the energy sector, though he noted that the figure has reduced slightly due to improvements in the exchange rate.
“The total indebtedness of ECG, as it stands, as at March 2025 is GHS 67 billion,” he said.
Outlining plans to resolve the crisis, Dr. Jinapor announced a multi-faceted strategy that includes:
- Boosting revenue and reducing losses
- Signing performance agreements with ECG’s district and general managers, and between ECG management and the Ministry of Energy
- Renegotiating power purchase agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
- Involving the private sector in billing and collections
“We want to work to increase revenue and also reduce losses,” the Minister stated. “The performance of district and general managers of ECG’s operational areas will now be tracked undersigned performance agreements.”
