Government is intensifying its efforts to bring private sector engagement into the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as part of a major reform to stabilise the sector’s finances and ensure long-term sustainability.
Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam highlighted the urgency of these reforms at the recent IMF/World Bank meetings, pointing out that the annual $1.2 billion deficit in the energy sector “is not acceptable.
"Funds that should be allocated to essential services like healthcare and education are being diverted to cover losses in a sector that should ideally attract market-based solutions.”
As part of the financial overhaul, the government is implementing the “cash waterfall” mechanism to ensure ECG’s revenue is fairly distributed across the energy value chain.
Dr Adam stated that restoring investor trust is crucial, noting, “People have lost confidence in our ability to manage the energy sector due to financial issues.”
The government is also renegotiating power purchase agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce its debts.
Recent discussions with IPPs like Sunon Asogli, whose 560MW plant shut down over a $259 million payment dispute, show progress but challenges remain.
Dr Adam reassured that the shutdown has not affected the power supply, “If one plant shuts down and the others continue to operate, it simply means that we have enough to supply our people.”
New agreements with Cenit and AKSA, two of the six IPPs involved in restructuring talks, have already been signed and do not require parliamentary approval, streamlining their operational continuity.
However, negotiations with Sunon Asogli have faced setbacks, with the company’s request for an additional $30 million in payment being declined by the government.
“While we initially agreed to a $30 million one-off payment, Sunon Asogli later demanded another $30 million. This was not part of our settlement terms,” Dr Adam stated.
He was emphatic that no funds will be released until the agreement is signed.
Other IPPs like Karpowership are also in talks with the government, though their recent request for an additional $70 million was firmly rejected by Dr Adam, who underscored the government’s commitment to responsible spending.
“We have to negotiate and sign before I make any payment. Ghana is not just a street-country,” he declared.
Pending agreements with Cenpower and Amandi Energy await parliamentary ratification, with Dr Adam calling on Parliament to reconvene and approve these critical reforms.
“This is one of the effects the suspension has on government business because we were expecting parliament to approve these renegotiated agreements.”
With these reforms, government hopes to rebuild trust, stabilise the sector, and ensure that Ghana’s energy infrastructure can support its long-term goals.
Latest Stories
-
The Thomas Partey Tournament: Empowering Ghana’s Youth through football
12 mins -
Nana Akomea calls for public inquiry into ‘expired rice’ saga
30 mins -
Maintain Otto Addo despite AFCON 2025 no-show – Nana Akomea advises GFA
32 mins -
GFA issues apology to Ghanaians for Black Stars failure to qualify for AFCON 2025
51 mins -
Nautyca releases new single ‘Nalani’
60 mins -
Ablakwa slams Chief of Staff for ‘whitewashing’ ‘expired rice’ for SHS scandal
1 hour -
Regulators of financial institutions urged to develop policy framework for climate financing
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo: New BoG HQ to enhance reform capacity and investment climate
2 hours -
DRIP initiative improves over 80km of roads in Greater Accra, says RCC
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo to commission over 80 educational projects today
2 hours -
Police to set up Election Task Force Briefing Centre for 2024 polls
2 hours -
AFCON 2025: GFA to apologise to Ghanaians for Black Stars failure
2 hours -
Justice Yonny Kulendi urges Accra Business School graduates to lead with integrity
2 hours -
Ghanaians confident in Mahama’s leadership – Joyce Bawah
2 hours -
GFA to decide Otto Addo’s future next week Wednesday
3 hours