<<Print>>

Independent Power Generators Ghana, has attributed the inefficiency being displayed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). to the composition of the latter's board.

They recommend that in order to get the ECG to be up to task, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, should among other things, reform the board composition of the state power distributor.

Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the Chief Executive Officer of IPG, in a recent commentary, presented a proposal to President Akufo-Addo on the need to reconsider the composition of the ECG board.

To him, any attempt to change the status of the power distributor company into a private entity stands the risk of accessibility, affordability, and stability of electricity services to consumers, which is a crucial asset for national development.

Dr. Apetorgbor maintained that retaining public ownership of ECG, helps in the ensuring of accountability, equitable access, and strategic governance control over a vital national asset.

“This decision aligns with the commitment to serving the best interests of all citizens and safeguarding Ghana’s energy future. If the conditions that were given to PDS at the time can be made available to the current state of ECG, with a reformed board composition, there will be turn around in 3 months,” he said.

His statement comes on the heels of an alleged privitisation of ECG to improve its services to the public.

The IPG boss however, points out that though the idea to make it a private entity sounds appealing, its asssociated risks far outweighs the positives.

Asantehene's Position On ECG Privitization

It is recalled that, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, the revered Asantehene, called on the government to privatise ECG, Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), and the Volta River Authority (VRA)

According to his Royal majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, privatising these institutions will make these institutions function as expected of them.

Speaking at the commissioning of the natural gaspipeline in Kumasi on 17th April, Otumfuo said, “The government should confront policies and involve the private sector and you can attract more investors into the country which will create more employment.

“VRA and others are all government establishments, let’s give it out and diversify them into the private sector and get more money there and get the right people to do it. GRIDCo and others let’s give them the money and get the qualified people, diverse government from it and let them work.

“Electricity Company is in a situation where we don’t know, but that also must be diversified and given to the private sector.

“Why are we still holding on when we don’t have the money? We’re not able to collect all the taxes we want, we’re going to IMF and all those for money. We’re hanging onto industries we cannot maintain and run.”

Adding that, “It’s about time we face reality and decide on what government should be doing and what the private sector should be doing. This is a testimony of the private sector, and they were able to attract investors.”

Dissenting View

In his opposing view, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor mentioned that instead of pursuing privatization, Ghana should focus on strengthening the governance structure of ECG and the sector as a whole (an all-inclusive representation on the board of ECG), public ownership, regulatory oversight, including community engagement for responsible consumption (as a patriotic duty to pay for energy used), to achieve sustainable electricity provision.

“By retaining public ownership, we ensure accountability, equitable access, and strategic governance control over a vital national asset. This decision aligns with the commitment to serving the best interests of all citizens and safeguarding Ghana’s energy future. If the conditions that were given to PDS at the time can be made available to the current state of ECG, with a reformed board composition, there will be a turnaround in 3 months," he added.


Below is the Letter addressed to the President by Dr. Apetorgbor

Recommendation to Maintain Public Ownership of ECG

Your Excellency,

I humbly recommend maintaining public ownership of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) amidst calls for privatization.

Privatization may risk the accessibility, affordability, and stability of electricity services, crucial for national development.

By retaining public ownership, we ensure accountability, equitable access, and strategic governance control over a vital national asset.

This decision aligns with the commitment to serving the best interests of all citizens and safeguarding Ghana’s energy future. If the conditions that were given to PDS at the time can be made available to the current state of ECG, with a reformed board composition, there will turn around in 3 months.

Respectfully,

Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor
CEO, Independent Power Generators, Ghana.