Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has issued a strong warning to heads of key power sector institutions, stating clearly that he would not risk his job over persistent energy failures and would rather dismiss any underperforming chief executive.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News on Wednesday, April 30, the Minister outlined plans to enforce a results-oriented approach in addressing Ghana’s electricity challenges.

He disclosed that new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and strict timelines are being introduced for institutions such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and other agencies under his jurisdiction.

“We’re going to give them timelines,” he said. “We’re going to give them some targets. The Energy Commission has also been invited. That’s a technical regulator.”

To ensure proper oversight, Mr Jinapor revealed the creation of a full monitoring system to oversee operations across the entire energy delivery chain—from power generation to final distribution.

“I call it the MNGT value chain analysis,” he said. “We put all the key people on that platform, including how we manage capacity, transmission, distribution, everything.”

He made it clear that he would not hesitate to take action against leaders who fall short of expectations.

“As Minister, I would ensure that there’s discipline, there’s hard work,” he stressed.

“If you can’t do that, I recommend your dismissal. Let me be frank, it’s better I dismiss that chief executive who is not working well before I get dismissed. And that one, there’s no compromise on that.”

Mr Jinapor also pointed to past political consequences of failing to resolve energy problems, citing the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) loss in the 2016 elections as a lesson.

“You know, the ultimate regime killer is the power sector,” he noted. “You wouldn’t doubt that part of the reason why you lost elections was because of how long it took you to turn around that power crisis.”

Reflecting on that experience, he said it continues to shape his urgent approach to the job.

“As we grow and as we go through life, we learn. I’ve learned some very, very, very bitter experiences,” he said.“I’ve been in the sector for quite a while. You’re talking about more than 16 years… So today, when the men come telling me things, I know what is happening.”

He emphasized that his long-standing involvement in the energy sector gives him valuable insight beyond that of technical officers.

Sharing a recent example, he recounted how he stepped in to prevent planned load shedding.

“Three days ago, we were going to have load shedding,” he said.“And I gave some suggestions. For instance, VALCO gets 110 megawatts, but we’re going to have a deficit of about 60 megawatts. I said, 'Look, let’s talk to VALCO so the smelter can work. We can bring them lower to 60 for those three hours. Just after three hours, you bring them back so that you don’t engage in load shedding.’”

He explained that the proposal was accepted and helped to avert power cuts. “When they did that, we went through the system,” he added.

Mr Jinapor's message was resolute. “There’s no compromise. Better I sack him than be sacked myself,” he concluded.