Seven-member committee to spearhead possible privatisation of ECG – Jinapor

Energy Minister-Designate, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced the government’s plan to establish a seven-member committee to explore privatization options for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as part of efforts to revitalise the struggling state-owned entity.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, Jinapor explained that the committee’s primary task will be to examine and propose viable models for private-sector involvement that could enhance ECG’s financial and operational sustainability.

The move comes in response to longstanding challenges faced by ECG, including inefficiencies, financial losses, and growing debt, which have hindered its ability to consistently deliver reliable electricity to Ghanaians.

“We believe there should be private sector participation,” Jinapor stated during the vetting. He stressed that privatisation, or some form of private-sector involvement, could provide the resources, expertise, and efficiency required to turn around ECG’s fortunes and enhance electricity supply across the country.

The Energy Minister-Designate outlined a non-partisan approach to the process, emphasising the importance of neutrality and expertise in the composition of the committee.

“We will stay off as politicians and let them develop a framework in a transparent, open, and frank manner. Once we get the buy-in of Ghanaians, we can set standards using a Request for Proposal (RFP) or competitive tender process.”