Minister-Designate for Energy, John Jinapor, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately suspend all payments for supplies as part of efforts to address inefficiencies and stabilize the power sector.Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Jinapor emphasized the severity of the issue, revealing that ECG has been experiencing significant revenue losses.

0

He attributed these challenges to the management of over 70 separate accounts, which has made effective monitoring and financial control difficult.Jinapor issued a stern warning to the staff of ECG, particularly those within the finance directorate, cautioning that there would be serious consequences for non-compliance with the directive.“The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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,” he stated.The Minister-Designate reaffirmed his commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms to streamline ECG’s operations and improve its efficiency, ensuring better service delivery and power sector stability.

4