The Ministry of Energy has requested that Parliament pause discussions on the contentious Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill.

This bill proposes the merger of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the establishment of an independent Thermal Power Authority from the thermal plants of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

In a statement issued by the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapah, the ministry emphasized the need for additional consultations before moving forward.

“The Ministry respectfully requests Parliament to suspend consideration of the aforementioned Bill to enable us to hold further consultative,” part of the statement read.

This Energy Bill includes several critical legislative proposals, such as the Ghana Thermal Authority Bill, 2024, Ghana Hydro Authority Bill, 2024, Ghana Power Distribution Authority Bill, 2024, and the Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill, 2024.

However, it has faced growing opposition from various stakeholders, notably senior staff at the VRA.

These VRA senior staff have expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed merger, arguing that it could jeopardize the authority's operational efficiency and stability.

They have staged protests to voice their displeasure, warning that the merger could hinder the VRA's ability to effectively manage resources and deliver reliable energy services.