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As part of steps to address inefficiencies and stabilize the power sector, Minister-Designate for Energy John Jinapor has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately cease all payments for suppliers.
Jinapor warned ECG employees, especially those in the financial directorate, that if they disregarded the directive, there would be terrible repercussions.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Jinapor disclosed that ECG has been experiencing large revenue losses in an interview with Eyewitness News. He emphasized how difficult it has been to effectively manage and control the company’s more than 70 accounts.
In order to better serve the public and stabilize the electricity industry, the Minister-Designate promised to enact extensive reforms targeted at optimizing ECG’s operations and raising its general effectiveness.
“The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies. Because if ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution. Other countries are doing just about 2-4% losses. So, with this $100 worth of power, you buy and sell, you collect only 60% and even with that, there are so many contracts, quality assurance, IT, provision and others.
“They are all deducting monies at the source. So, I have told the ECG, and this is also an instruction from the Chief of Staff, to seize all payment for supplies and I mean it. I have told them and if anybody is listening and is within ECG, whether the finance directorate, this was the instruction we gave them yesterday.
“Please don’t and I mean it, because there are serious consequences if you flout this directive. We need some serious buffers to anchor the system. All those numerous accounts will be closed. They have over 70 accounts and they cannot monitor that, so we need to reform that sector and we will reform that sector,” Mr Jinapor added.
Meanwhile Ghanaians have been reassured by President John Dramani Mahama that his administration is steadfast in its resolve to address the energy problem and avoid a return to the days of “dumsor” (repeated power outages).
During his remarks during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana’s National Convention on Thursday, January 9, President Mahama recognized the nation’s pressing issues, especially those related to energy.
He reassured the public that his administration is totally dedicated to taking on these problems head-on.
“We are assuming office at a critical time in our nation’s history. Ghana is faced with significant challenges. But that is exactly the reason why you elected us.
“We will transparently let you understand what those challenges are and we will take responsibility for solving them,” Mahama said.
Because there aren’t enough fuel sources for power generation, the President emphasized the imminent potential of power outages.
He asked Ghanaians to hold onto their optimism and faith in his government’s capacity to come up with long-term fixes, nonetheless.
“There is a threat of power outages but my brothers and sisters, don’t despair. You elected us to solve the problems not to put the blame on anybody else,” President Mahama remarked.
He disclosed that in order to develop and put into action creative ways to stabilize the energy supply, he called a conference of stakeholders on Wednesday, January 8.
“I can assure you of some of the ideas they have come up with. We will make sure that your lights stay on and that we do not have dumsor,” he stated.
According to President Mahama, his administration is ready to take the lead in resolving the energy sector’s problems, which need for immediate and cooperative measures.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
