Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)has launched a project to upgrade outdated electricity meters in the Accra East region to modern Smart MMS-compliant prepaid meters.
Scheduled from September 2 to September 30, 2024, the initiative targets key districts like Makola, Teshie, and Adentan, aiming to replace 250,000 meters.
This move, driven by a directive from the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), seeks to improve service delivery and address revenue losses of over GH¢893 million caused by faulty meters not accurately recording electricity consumption.
“These are meters that have run their due course. They were not working accurately and needed to be replaced. Once the replacement was completed, we expect the situation to stabilise, thereby improving the company’s revenue fortunes,” he is quoted by myjoyonline.com.
William Boateng has highlighted the urgent need to replace outdated meters with new Smart MMS-compliant prepaid meters.
He explained that the old meters were failing to provide accurate readings, which was impacting the company’s revenue and overall stability.
The new prepaid meters are designed to enhance reliability and efficiency. They come with advanced features that allow customers to top up their credits remotely via the ECG Power App or by dialing the short code (*226#).
This upgrade aims to make it easier and more flexible for users to manage their electricity usage.
This meter replacement initiative is part of the ECG’s Loss Reduction Project (LRP), which is focused on minimizing technical and commercial losses while boosting operational efficiency.
ECG has assured customers that any remaining credit on their old meters will be seamlessly transferred to their new smart meters.
Additionally, the replacement process will be conducted at no cost to the customers, and Boateng warned against paying anyone for the meter swap.
Boateng expressed optimism that this upgrade will enhance ECG’s financial performance, despite the current revenue challenges.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced that it will replace old meters with Smart MMS-compliant prepaid meters across Greater Accra and Eastern Region.
The exercise is scheduled to take place from 2nd to 30th September covering key operational districts; Makola, Teshie, Legon, Roman Ridge, Kwabenya, Mampong, Dodowa, and Adentan.
The 250,000 prepaid meters will provide convenience and flexibility to customers as they will be able to top up their credits using the ECG Power App or through a short code (*226#), in managing electricity consumption. The upgrade is part of the ECG’s Loss Reduction Project (LRP), aimed at minimizing technical and commercial losses while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Speaking to the media on Monday, August 26, the ECG’s Director of Communications, William Boateng, explained that the initiative to replace outdated meters is a response to significant shortfalls in revenue collection by the company.
Mr Boateng attributed the company’s loss to the failure of malfunctioning of old meters to communicate correctly with the company’s servers.
He indicated that the incoming operation is a directive by the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), to enhance service delivery, address the ongoing challenges associated with obsolete meters and others.
He mentioned that the revenue shortfall, experienced during July and August 2024, resulted from difficulties in accurately recording customer consumption due to outdated metering systems. The ECG’s Director of Communications as customers start repaying their overdue amounts in installments. “These are meters that have run their due course. They were not working accurately and needed to be replaced. Once the replacement was completed, we expect the situation to stabilise, thereby improving the company’s revenue fortunes,” Mr Boateng stated.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, has called on the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to take strict action against inefficient staff whose conduct undermines the company’s efforts to deliver quality and timely services to customers.
“Heads must roll when we find that persistently some people are just making it difficult for us [ECG] to provide quality, affordable, and efficient service to our customers and the Ghanaian people,” the Minister emphasized.
He added that staff members who go the extra mile to deliver excellent service must also be rewarded to encourage others to follow suit.
Mr. Krapa made these remarks during a visit to the ECG Customer Service Office in Accra East, where he sought to address the growing frustrations of customers.
His visit was part of a broader initiative to help improve service delivery. Accompanying him were Deputy Minister Collins Adomako-Mensah, Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah, Director of Power Solomon Adjettey, and Director of PPBME Isaac Nsarko Biney.
During the briefing, it emerged that ECG management was baffled by the activities of so-called ‘goro boys’ who manage to access customer information through the ECG’s online meter application process and use it to deceive unsuspecting applicants.
As part of his visit, Mr. Krapa and his deputy randomly tested the ECG complaint center by placing a call, which was handled professionally.
The Minister praised the operator’s response, remarking that “the gentleman deserves a pay rise,” and reiterated the need for recognizing and rewarding good performance while sanctioning inefficiency.
Mr. Krapa, who previously served as Deputy Minister of Energy and Board Chairman of ECG, noted that the public’s trust in the service provider was “fast dissipating.” He stressed that ECG must address customer complaints more promptly, stating, “customers cannot accept ECG taking forever or too long in resolving their complaints and challenges.”
To regain the trust of the Ghanaian people, the Minister advised ECG to focus on efficiency and timely resolution of issues. He also encouraged the company to better utilize both traditional and modern media, including town hall meetings and the Information Services Department, to engage with customers who may not be active on social media. This, he noted, would help curb the reliance on goro boys for services.
On the persistent issue of meters, which he referred to as “the elephant in the room,” Mr. Krapa acknowledged the frustration of customers who are willing to pay for meters that are supposed to be free. He urged ECG to expedite efforts to clear the backlog of over one million meters due to new connections, faulty meters, and aging equipment.
The Minister also called for the simplification of the meter acquisition process to eliminate duplication and make the process more accessible to customers, ensuring a smoother and more efficient service experience.
CEO of the Independent Power Generators in Ghana, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has denied government claims that an agreement has been reached with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) regarding payment terms amidst ongoing debt restructuring talks.
The IPGG stated that no such agreement has been finalized, contrary to recent statements by the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, and Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.
In a statement signed by Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the claims made by the ministers were labeled as ‘inaccurate,’ with the IPGG asserting that negotiations are still ongoing and no agreement has been concluded.
“While negotiations have not been concluded, it is crucial to ensure accuracy in the information disseminated to the public,” the statement read.
“Misleading statements about the status of the negotiations have significant repercussions, including pressures and demands from our principals. It also risks jeopardizing our credibility and business relationships with key stakeholders,” it added.
The IPGG CEO called on the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy to hold off on making any additional public remarks about the issue until a conclusive agreement is finalized and all stakeholders have been adequately informed.
“We remain committed to finding a sustainable solution to the debt owed to IPPs, and once an agreement has been finalized, we will ensure that the public is duly informed,” the IPGG statement noted.
Under the terms of Ghana’s IMF program, the government must restructure the debt owed to Independent Power Producers, who are vital to the nation’s energy and power supply chain.
The Kejetia Market in Kumasi has been given a September 16, 2024 deadline to clear its outstanding debt of over GHC7 million owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
This comes after the market management negotiated a repayment plan with ECG following a three-day blackout due to their failure to adhere to the initial payment schedule.
According to Benjamin Obeng Antwi, Public Relations Officer for ECG-Ashanti West, the repayment plan has now been revised, and the market is expected to follow through with consistent payments over the coming weeks. Speaking in an interview with David Akuetteh on Luv FM, Antwi detailed the schedule.
“By August 30, they are to pay GHC200,000, followed by GHC273,000 by September 6. On September 10, we expect another payment, which includes their legacy debt. The plan covers both May and June bills in addition to the debt. They are to complete payments by September 16, excluding the July bill,” Antwi explained.
Efforts to install separate meters for each shop at the market have faced obstacles. Antwi noted that despite a stakeholder meeting held a year or two ago, which aimed to facilitate the separation of individual shops from the bulk meter, the project has stalled.
“We conducted engineering checks and advised them to disconnect the generator from the main meter to avoid complications when it’s switched on. We gave them the necessary advice and awaited feedback, but none came, which caused the delay,” Antwi added.
Earlier this year, the Kejetia Market management acquired over 1,000 single meters to allow individual shops to measure their own electricity consumption. However, a large number of meters remain unsold as traders have been hesitant to make purchases.
Edmond Kofi Duffuor, Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, attributed the slow uptake to the traders’ financial struggles. “The traders are finding the cost of the meters too high and are already burdened by their unpaid bills. If they can settle their debts, hopefully, everyone will be able to get their meters,” he said.
With the repayment plan in place, the market’s management is under pressure to meet the agreed deadlines to restore full power and avoid further disruptions.
The government has successfully restructured the legacy debt owed toIndependent Power Producers (IPPs), addressing a critical issue that had threatened their operations.
This strategic move is intended to promote sustainability in the energy sector and ensure stability in electricity supply.
Herbert Krapa, the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, highlighted that the renegotiation of these debts places Ghana on a path toward success.
During a visit to the Accra West Regional office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Krapa emphasized the need for the power distributor to restore public trust by promptly resolving customer complaints related to meter acquisition and other concerns.
Meanwhile, ECG Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama refuted allegations that the new smart meters being introduced under the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) are designed to overcharge customers.
Despite widespread complaints about the consumption rates of these meters, Mahama reassured the public that the smart meters are intended to enhance accuracy and efficiency,not to exploit consumers.
Kumasi City Market has resumed normal operations after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) restored power following a two-day disconnection.
The blackout occurred due to the market’s failure to pay off outstanding arrears exceeding GH₵7 million.
Power was restored after a significant portion of the debt was settled and a proposal was submitted to clear the remaining balance.
This isn’t the first time the market has experienced power cuts due to payment issues.
Reuben Amey, secretary of the Kejetia Central Market Traders Union, urged traders to pay their bills to help management settle the arrears.
The facility’s operations manager confirmed that a payment plan had been submitted to ECG and appealed for trader cooperation to prevent future disconnections.
Meanwhile, Nana Akwasi Prempeh, president of the Federation of Kumasi Traders, has called for the removal of the individual responsible for installing meters, citing their incompetence.
The Kejetia market in Kumasi has been without electricity for three days due to an unpaid debt of seven million cedis to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Reports indicate that this power cut followed the market’s failure to adhere to a debt repayment schedule.
According to ECG, the disconnection was a result of the management’s inability to comply with the agreed repayment terms.
However, traders at the market argue that they have consistently paid their electricity bills to Kumasi City Markets Limited and are not accountable for the debt.
Earlier in April, the market faced a similar disconnection over a GH¢9.7 million debt. Power was restored after a new repayment plan was put in place.
Despite this, the ECG claims the market has failed to meet its financial commitments, leading to the current situation.
Frustrated traders insist they are not responsible for the debt and demand transparency about its origins.
“We are not owing. If we were, you would have seen people crowded at where we pay the bills. We don’t owe any ECG debts. They should let us know where the debts are coming from,” one trader said.
Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, Edmond Kofi Duffuor, confirmed ongoing efforts to resolve the debt.
“Last June, we owed 4.9 million cedis from the original 7.2 million cedis. Between June and now, we’ve paid 3.1 million cedis from the bill that was presented to us, so it was only left with 2.0 million cedis. We’ve arranged with them that we will be paying 100,000 cedis every day,” he explained.
Despite these efforts, traders are calling for a leadership change at the market, expressing dissatisfaction with the current management.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cut off power to the Kumasi City Market, also known as the New Kejetia Market, due to unpaid arrears exceeding GH¢7 million.
Despite a prior agreement to settle the debt, ECG states that the market has not adhered to the payment plan, prompting the disconnection.
This is not the first time the market has faced a power outage for unpaid bills; a similar situation occurred in April 2024, when electricity was restored after the management committed to clearing the debt.
While the market’s management, headed by Managing Director Edmond Kofi Duffuor, asserts that they have been making efforts to pay, ECG remains dissatisfied with the progress, leading to the latest disconnection.
“From a total of 9.7 million Ghana cedis as of June, we have paid about 1.7 million Ghana cedis…So why should we be in darkness, when we are committed? I’m not paying any other service provider any money.
No other person is receiving money from Kejetia Market apart from ECG.
He added, “Buying diesel is so expensive, we are now depending on a generator.”
The traders are calling on the Local Government Ministry to intervene and address the electricity supply issue to ensure the market’s smooth operation.
Currently, the market is relying on generators, which management deems unsustainable.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed the recent over-billing issues in Ketu South to expired meters and the impact of recent tariff increases.
This explanation follows a recent protest by residents of the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region, who took to the streets to express their anger and frustration over what they consider to be unfair billing practices by the ECG.
The residents claim that these billing issues have caused significant emotional and financial strain.
“On Wednesday, my constituents were on the street demonstrating in Ketu South because of the hikes in cost of electricity now. I think the installation of the new system that you are using must have a problem because a small house with a fan and a television and phone can get a bill of 1000gh or almost 2000gh. Those things are happening,” she stressed.
Similar allegations of over-billing have been raised by ECG customers in other regions across the country.
During a session before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, called for immediate action, highlighting the severity of the situation.
“What we are realizing now is that most people don’t know that meters do expire. Meters don’t have a long life span, so they do expire. This is something that is not the fault of the customer.
“So this is something that we have to go out there and educate everybody very well,” he explained.
Mr. Mahama added that, “let’s also not forget that the PURC has increased tariff over the period to a total of almost 75%, so it is a conversation that has to be looked at in a holistic form”.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has attributed incidents of over-billing in Ketu South to expired meters and recent tariff hikes.
The clarification comes days after residents of Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region hit the street to voice their outrage and frustration over what they describe as unacceptable billing practices by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
These practices, they claim, have caused significant psychological distress and financial burdens.
Already, there are widespread allegations of over-billing made by some customers of ECG in some other parts of the country.
Touching on this when the Electricity Company of Ghana appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie said something must be done.
“On Wednesday, my constituents were on the street demonstrating in Ketu South because of the hikes in cost of electricity now. I think the installation of the new system that you are using must have a problem because a small house with a fan and a television and phone can get a bill of 1000gh or almost 2000gh. Those things are happening,” she stressed.
In response to the concerns, ECG Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama stated that the issue may be due to expired meters.
“What we are realizing now is that most people don’t know that meters do expire. Meters don’t have a long life span, so they do expire. This is something that is not the fault of the customer.
“So this is something that we have to go out there and educate everybody very well,” he explained.
Mr. Mahama added that, “let’s also not forget that the PURC has increased tariff over the period to a total of almost 75%, so it is a conversation that has to be looked at in a holistic form”.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is taking action to recover a debt of GH₵1.2 million owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), and three other organizations.
The debt arises from unpaid rent for office spaces and private hostel operations over several years, according to the Auditor-General.
During her appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, KNUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, disclosed that only one of the debtors has made a partial payment of GH₵25,000, leaving the majority of the debt unpaid.
“With the Electricity Company of Ghana, we’ve arranged a barter trade settlement plan. We owe ECG a significant amount, so we’ve proposed that they offset the debt by deducting the amount they owe us. We’ve already communicated this plan to ECG,” Professor Dickson explained.
She added that other entities, like UBA, have settled their debts in full, including the premiums they owed.
However, Professor Dickson acknowledged the challenges KNUST has faced in recovering these outstanding debts, despite sending multiple demand notices and following up with the entities involved.
In a related issue, the Public Accounts Committee also expressed concern over Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) for procuring medical supplies from two unlicensed entities. The Auditor-General’s report indicated that the university purchased GH₵414,000 worth of drugs from these unregistered suppliers in 2022.
“This is a serious violation. Selling drugs requires a license, and purchasing from unlicensed suppliers is risky. It is essential to ensure that all entities involved in procurement have the proper certifications from regulatory bodies like the FDA and the Pharmacy Council,” the Committee warned.
The Committee advised AAMUSTED to prioritize obtaining necessary certifications in future procurements, especially when it concerns health-related items, to ensure compliance and protect public safety.
The Assembly member for Denu in the Ketu South Municipality, Israel Bossman, has warned that residents might soon be forced to abandon using electricity altogether if the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) does not address ongoing issues with its billing system.
Recently, the residents took to the streets in protest against what they describe as exorbitant monthly tariffs, accusing the ECG‘s billing system in the Denu District of charging them far more than their actual electricity consumption.
They are calling for an immediate review to ensure that charges are fair and accurately reflect usage.
In an interview with Citi News, Israel Bossman stressed the urgency of the situation, describing it as a form of extortion that must be stopped without delay.
“With immediate effect, ECG must cease disconnecting customers or consumers of the power and fix the poor nature of the billing system and also audit some meters in the enclave,” he demanded.
He went on to highlight the financial burden the current situation is placing on residents. “I understand that people now take loans to pay light bills, and this is not pleasant. And so trust me, a time is coming when nobody would want to use light anymore because we can’t be paying that amount of money. It is not possible. I mean something is wrong somewhere,” he added.
On the other hand, Eunice Tweneboah-Kodua, the Public Relations Officer for the ECG in the Volta Region, assured that the concerns of the residents have been addressed. “All the things that they asked us to do, management was able to do it for them,” she stated.
She further explained that despite resolving the issues, there were still reports of planned demonstrations. “The regional police command made us aware that the people are saying that they are still bent on going on a demonstration against us. And we asked about the issues, and the issues were the same things that they raised for us to work on.”
Tweneboah-Kodua emphasized that ECG remains committed to resolving any outstanding concerns. “Whatever thing that they want, we are still looking into it,” she assured.
Police have detained four individuals, comprising three Ghanaians and a Chinese national, for their roles in tampering with and installing meters from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Wisdom Sewlorm, an agent assigned to install ECG meters, saw his employee, Ernest Afatsawu, manipulate the meters and sell them to a Chinese plastic manufacturing company for GH₵1200.
Rulian Shan, the manager of the Chinese company, and his sales manager, Ali Yakubu, were apprehended on Friday, August 2.
Both Ernest and Wisdom are currently under investigation following their summons.
The ECG estimates that the financial loss due to this incident amounts to over GH₵77,000 from July to August.
Paul Abariga, Director of Investigation, Prosecution, and Security, revealed that the four suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Additionally, the contract with the implicated ECG contractor will be terminated.
Abariga stated, “There are meters that are being installed in many parts of our operational area and there have been some investigations reported to this directorate that some of the meters that are being installed are tempered with before they are installed so we undertook investigations, and we’ve come to realise that the intel that we’ve gathered, and the reports given to us are certainly true.
“Based on that we got for instance these four people arrested on four. They had a meter that was supposed to be residential and they were using it in a factory to manufacture plastic bowls at Oblogo near Weija.”
“So we want to put all the four together. By the end of the day we would have finished with our investigations on them so that we put them before court tomorrow”.
The Auditor-General’s report has revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) experienced significant financial losses totalling over GHC6 billion in the first nine months of 2023.
These losses encompass system, technical, commercial, and collection losses, highlighting the pressing need for reforms within the company.
According to the Energy Ministry’s report cited by the Auditor-General, ECG faced collection losses amounting to GHC2.05 billion from January to September 2023. This figure represents an improvement compared to the GHC2.45 billion recorded for the entire year of 2022.
System losses for ECG soared to GHC4.04 billion by September 2023, a substantial increase from the GHC2.6 billion reported in 2022. Breaking these losses down, technical losses were GHC1.3 billion, which is a decrease from the previous year’s GHC2.8 billion. However, commercial losses escalated to GHC2.8 billion, up from GHC1.9 billion in 2022.
The Auditor-General’s office has recommended several measures to address these issues. These include strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA), improved contract management and enforcement, enhanced monitoring of prepayment meters, recovery of detected fraud, and prosecuting customers involved in power theft to serve as a deterrent.
In response, ECG management stated they are “implementing a new monitoring regime whereby meter readers will visit both post-paid and prepayment meters.” However, they cited staff inadequacy as a challenge for effective field monitoring.
The report also uncovered that between 2016 and 2021, ECG entered into 50 contracts totaling US$145 million for the procurement of 862,750 meters, bypassing the mandated competitive bidding procedures and opting for restrictive tendering methods without adequate justification. The audit indicated that ECG did not explore the possibility of obtaining meters of the same specifications at lower prices from other manufacturers.
“ECG did not take steps to explore the possibility of getting meters of the same specifications at lower prices from manufacturers other than the ones in their database,” the report states, highlighting a lack of value for money considerations.
The issue of non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act is particularly concerning. ECG’s stance, as noted in the report, suggests they believe they should not adhere to the PPA requirements since they operate as a limited liability company without government subvention.
“ECG is of the opinion that it should not adhere to the PPA requirement as it is a limited liability company that does not depend on government subvention to finance its operations,” the report states. This position was reinforced by a letter dated February 12, 2014, in which ECG sought the Energy Minister’s legal opinion on PPA adherence.
Despite seeking exemption from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in July 2020, ECG proceeded with non-compliant procurement practices without official approval. The report notes: “In the absence of exemption from the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, we expected that ECG would be guided by commercial procurement practices in Section 15 (2) of the Public Procurement Act to procure meters.”
The audit uncovered staggering losses from faulty readings, meter bypassing, and power theft. In just four regions over a five-year period, ECG detected GHC54 million (US$4.5 million) in losses, recovering only 39.3 percent of this amount. Commercial losses averaged 30 percent, well above the 21 percent target, due to insufficient monitoring.
“ECG recovered GHC21,260,166 representing 39.3 percent of the GHC53,988,463 total amount detected from fraud activities and faulty readings,” the report states.
Contract management issues further exacerbated the situation. The audit found that “ECG failed to comply with conditions of contract to terminate a contract with a manufacturer in the process of procuring the meters,” even when suppliers failed to deliver on time.
The report cited instances of customers resorting to illegal connections after waiting over a year for meter installations. One frustrated customer at the Legon District Office stated: “If I don’t get the meter today, I will be forced to connect directly to the mains until such time ECG supplies me with a meter.”
The Auditor-General’s report has revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd. (ECG) entered into 50 contracts totalling US$145 million for the procurement of 862,750 metres between 2016 and 2021, failing to comply with the Public Procurement Act (PPA).
The audit of meter management practices indicated that ECG avoided the mandated competitive bidding procedures, choosing restrictive tendering methods without adequate justification.
“ECG did not take steps to explore the possibility of getting metres of the same specifications at lower prices from manufacturers other than the ones in their database,” the report states, highlighting a lack of value for money considerations.
Non-compliance
Notably, ECG’s stance on PPA compliance is particularly concerning. The report said: “ECG is of the opinion that it should not adhere to the PPA requirement as it is a limited liability company that does not depend on government subvention to finance its operations”.
This position was evidenced by a letter dated February 12, 2014, in which ECG sought the Energy Minister’s legal opinion on PPA adherence.
Despite seeking exemption from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in July 2020, ECG proceeded with non-compliant procurement practices without receiving official approval.
The report notes: “In the absence of exemption from the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, we expected that ECG would be guided by commercial procurement practices in Section 15 (2) of the Public Procurement Act to procure meters”.
The audit uncovered staggering losses from faulty readings, metre bypassing and power theft. In just four regions over a five-year period, ECG detected GH¢54million (US$4.5million) in losses. Alarmingly, only 39.3 percent of this amount was recovered. Commercial losses averaged 30 percent, well above the 21 percent target, due to insufficient monitoring.
The report states: “ECG recovered GH¢21,260,166 representing 39.3 percent of the GH¢53,988,463 total amount detected from fraud activities and faulty readings.”
Contract management issues further exacerbated the situation. The audit found that “ECG failed to comply with conditions of contract to terminate a contract with a manufacturer in the process of procuring the meters”, even when suppliers failed to deliver on time.
The report cited examples of customers resorting to illegal connections after waiting over a year for meter installations. One customer at the Legon District Office stated: “”If I don’t get the metre today, I will be forced to connect directly to the mains until such time ECG supplies me with a meter”.
Operational Losses
In the first nine months of 2023, the Energy Ministry reported that theElectricity Company of Ghana (ECG) experienced collection losses amounting to GH¢2.05 billion.
This figure is an improvement compared to the GH¢2.45 billion in losses recorded for the entire year of 2022.
For system losses, ECG reported GH¢4.04 billion by September 2023, a significant increase from the GH¢2.6 billion reported in 2022.
Technical losses were GH¢1.3 billion as of September 2023, down from GH¢2.8 billion the previous year. However, commercial losses rose to GH¢2.8 billion, up from GH¢1.9 billion in 2022.
The Auditor-General’s office has recommended several measures to address these issues, including strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act, better contract management and enforcement, enhanced monitoring of prepayment meters, recovery of detected fraud, and prosecuting customers involved in power theft to serve as a deterrent.
In response, ECG management stated theyare “implementing a new monitoring regime whereby metre readers will visit both post-paid and prepayment metres.”
However, they cited staff inadequacy as a challenge for field monitoring.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to the public in the Ashanti Region about the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit meters.
The ECG is concerned about the proliferation of these fake meters in their service areas and has vowed to crack down on this illegal activity.
This announcement follows the seizure of substandard meters at the Dabala Checkpoint and Tech Junction during inspections of buses travelling to Kumasi from Aflao.
Investigations revealed that these metres originated in Togo.
Mr. Maxwell Dapaah, the ECG Ashanti-West General Manager, cautioned against the private installation of electric meters without ECG’s authorisation, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper procedures.
He stressed that these unauthorised metres would not be recorded in ECG’s system, complicating billing and other commercial processes.
Mr. Dapaah expressed concern over how this practice adversely affects the company’s commercial and technical operations.
“It is illegal to import metres into the country and also acquire metres from other sources apart from ECG.
We will take all necessary legal action against individuals who are trying to infiltrate our network with these fake metres, including those who aid them by selling or buying those metres.”
Mr Dapaah also revealed that metres installed by individual customers do not meet ECG’s metre specifications.
“These meters are not tested and calibrated by ECG to meet the requirements stated by regulatory agencies such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.
“Thereby posing danger such as fire outbreak, overloading and damage to transformers, resulting in prolonged outages and increased technical losses to the company,” he said.
He advised customers to avoid purchasing fake metres or dealing with unauthorised third parties when they need meters, and instead, to contact ECG directly for genuine meters.
“With the introduction of the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) and Flat rate policy, we have many options to service our customers anytime they apply for meters.
So kindly visit the nearestECG office and apply toensure you are served instead of engaging in the illegal act of purchasing from illegal sources,” he advised.
Mr Dapaah appealed to the general public to support the company in its efforts to combat the proliferation of fake meters, which would enable ECG to generate sufficient revenue to maintain a stable electricity supply chain.
“Users of these foreign meters are not in the ECG database so they consume electricity illegally without paying and this is not fair to customers who pay their bills.
Such individuals usually complain that they are not receiving bills and this is because their meters were obtained and installed illegally without following the process of acquiring meters. We want everyone consuming electricity to prioritise the payment of bills since it is patriotic to pay for electricity consumed,” he added.
“Some customers even distribute electricity to other customers illegally with these fake meters and substandard networks that pose danger to life and property.”
Mr Dapaah urged customers to download the ECG PowerApp or utilise the shortcode *226# to settle all outstanding bills, enabling the company to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
The Koforidua Multipurpose Youth Resource Center has had its electricity cut off by the Electricity Company of Ghana due to a significant unpaid debt.
GhOne TV reports that the center owes GH¢30,000, a debt that has remained unsettled for an extended period.
ECG officials decided to disconnect the power after repeated failures by the center’s management to address the outstanding balance.
Since its inauguration by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2023, the facility has been the venue for various significant events, including sports activities.
“ECG has cut power to the Koforidua Multipurpose Youth Resource Center due to GH¢30,000+ outstanding debt,” GhOne TV shared on X.
The 67th Independence Day parade took place at the Koforidua Resource Centre, drawing national attention to the Eastern Region.
The management of the centre has yet to comment on the actions taken by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and their plans to promptly restore electricity to the facility.
Concerns have been raised about the neglected condition of several sports complexes across the country.
In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has pledged to tackle these issues diligently.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revealed that ten state institutions, including the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), owe more than GH₵1 billion in taxes.
This information emerged during a session with the public accounts committee on Monday, July 29, where GRA officials highlighted the financial obligations of these entities.
Despite some institutions showing signs of potential payment, concerns were raised about financially struggling entities like the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
A GRA representative noted, “GACL and Graphic Corporation currently are having cash flow challenges. They’ve indicated to us that we need to give them a moratorium to be able to come back to us. So, for them, they are prepared to pay. Once their cash flow improves.”
Abena Osei Asare, the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, addressed the issue of companies unlikely to settle their tax debts, stating, “Mr Chairman we have done this before. We brought it to parliament; we went through a process [and] brought some to parliament for parliament to write it off. If it becomes necessary after all avenues to collect these monies have failed, we will go through that process and then come to parliament for permission to do that.”
Reports have indicated that ten state institutions, such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), owe the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over GH¢1 billion in unpaid taxes.
Government revenue officials stated that some of these viable institutions have pledged to settle their tax debts.
This information emerged when GRA officials testified before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, July 29, 2024.
“GACL and Graphic Corporation currently have cash flow challenges. They have informed us that we need to grant them a moratorium to allow them to repay us. Therefore, they are willing to settle their dues once their cash flow situation improves,” the GRA official is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.
During the meeting, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei-Asare, stated, “Mr. Chairman, we have done this before. We presented it to parliament, went through a process, and some were written off by parliament. If it becomes necessary after exhausting all efforts to collect these funds, we will follow that process and seek permission from parliament.”
The Public Accounts Committee voiced concerns about non-operational state entities such as the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and urged measures to restore their viability and prevent additional financial losses.
Ing. Abdulai Mahama, Senior Project Manager, has addressed the reasons behind the delay in the Ofankor-Nsawam road project, which began in September 2022.
Originally scheduled for completion within 24 months, the project is currently around 60% finished.
In an interview on Adom TV’s ‘The Big Agenda’ with Abena Opokua Ahwenee, Mr. Mahama discussed the unforeseen challenges impacting the timeline.
He highlighted that the project faced delays due to the need to dismantle a shrine along the route.
“My sister, during construction, we encountered a shrine. We consulted the locals and were told the gods had travelled, which delayed us for three and a half months. We had to pay for two cattle and provide money before we were allowed to continue work,” Mr Mahama explained.
Local consultations revealed that the deities associated with the shrine were away, resulting in a three-and-a-half-month delay.
The project team had to compensate with two cattle and additional funds before resuming work.
Furthermore, issues with local land settlements and the repositioning of high-tension wires from ECG and GRIDCO have also contributed to the delay.
Mr. Mahama assured that despite these setbacks, the road’s design is robust, with a 20-year lifespan planned, while the drainage systems are built to endure for 50 years.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) faced a staggering loss of GH¢10.21 billion in 2022, a sharp increase from the GH¢1.91 billion loss recorded in 2021.
This represents an over 433 percent surge in losses for 2022, primarily driven by exchange rate losses due to the depreciation of the cedi and rising costs of power distribution.
At the same time, many consumers across the country reported sporadic power outages, leading to extended periods of darkness and disruptions in their daily routines.
These financial losses were detailed in the most recent Auditor General’s Report covering public boards, corporations, and statutory institutions for 2023.
During the review period, ECG’s revenue rose by 24.1 percent to GH¢15.03 billion in 2022, up from GH¢12.10 billion in 2021, due to increased internal funds and government grants.
These grants were payments made by the government to energy-producing companies on behalf of ECG.
Total expenditures surged by 80 percent to GH¢25.23 billion in 2022 from GH¢14.02 billion in 2021, primarily due to increased direct costs and foreign exchange losses.
The rise in direct costs was mainly due to higher costs of power purchases and transmission expenses.
Non-current assets saw a 45.6 percent increase to GH¢32.71 billion in 2022 from GH¢22.46 billion in 2021, attributed to asset revaluations and new acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment.
Current assets also grew by 23.1 percent to GH¢10.14 billion in 2022 from GH¢8.24 billion in 2021, driven by an increase in trade and other receivables.
The company’s liabilities rose by 66.3 percent to GH¢29.43 billion in 2022 from GH¢17.69 billion in 2021, mainly due to higher trade and other payables. Non-current liabilities increased by 16.4 percent to GH¢6.37 billion in 2022 from GH¢5.47 billion in 2021.
The report noted a decline in the current ratio to 0.3:1 in 2022 from 0.5:1 in 2021, indicating ongoing challenges in meeting short-term financial obligations.
An Auditor-General (A-G) report has uncovered that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) overspent by over $145 million on meter procurement, breaching the Public Procurement Act.
The report further noted that ECG failed to fully recover an excess amount of GH¢53.9 million detected through monitoring and did not pursue legal action against customers involved in electricity theft, which could have acted as a deterrent.
The audit, carried out from August to December 2022, covered the period from 2016 to 2021 at various ECG sites, including the headquarters, Metering and Technical Services (MTS) Division, the Materials and Depot in the Greater Accra Region, as well as four selected regional and nine district offices.
“ECG signed 50 contracts to procure 862,750 meters and their accessories, amounting to USD 145,010,153.92 over the audit period without adhering to the requirements of the Public Procurement Act.”
“During our audit period, ECG was unable to recover all the GH¢53,988,463.31 that it detected through monitoring and failed to prosecute customers engaged in power theft to serve as a deterrent to others,” the report stated.
In a letter sent to the Speaker on June 2, 2023, the A-G, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, recommended that ECG ensure all procurement activities comply with the Public Procurement Act to guarantee value for money.
An Auditor-General (A-G) report has disclosed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) overspent by more than $145 million on meter procurement, in violation of the Public Procurement Act.
The report also highlighted ECG’s failure to fully recover an excess of GH¢53.9 million identified through monitoring, and its neglect to pursue legal action against customers involved in electricity theft, which could have deterred similar offenses.
Conducted from August to December 2022, the audit covered the period from 2016 to 2021 across multiple ECG sites including headquarters, Metering and Technical Services (MTS) Division, Materials and Depot in Greater Accra, as well as selected regional and district offices.
“ECG signed 50 contracts to procure 862,750 meters and their accessories, amounting to USD 145,010,153.92 over the audit period without adhering to the requirements of the Public Procurement Act.”
“During our audit period, ECG was unable to recover all the GH¢53,988,463.31 that it detected through monitoring and failed to prosecute customers engaged in power theft to serve as a deterrent to others,” the report stated.
In a letter dated June 2, 2023, addressed to the Speaker, A-G Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu recommended that ECG ensure all procurement activities comply with the Public Procurement Act to ensure optimal value for money.
Auditor-General’s (A-G) report has revealed that theElectricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG)procurement of meters, amounting to over $145 million, breached the Public Procurement Act.
The report further disclosed that ECG failed to fully recover an excess of GH¢53.9 million identified through monitoring. Additionally, ECG did not pursue legal action against customers involved in electricity theft, which could have served as a deterrent to others.
The audit, conducted from August to December 2022, reviewed the period from 2016 to 2021. It covered various ECG locations, including the headquarters, Metering and Technical Services (MTS) Division, the Materials and Depot in the Greater Accra Region, as well as four selected regional offices and nine district offices.
“ECG signed 50 contracts to procure 862,750 meters and its accessories amounting to USD145,010,153.92 over the audit period without adhering to the requirement of the Public Procurement Act.”
“During our audit period, ECH was unable to recover all the GHC 53,988,463.31 that it detected through monitoring, and failed to prosecute customers who were engaged in power theft to serve as a deterrent to others,” the report stated.
In a letter dated June 2, 2023, addressed to the Speaker, Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu advised that ECG strictly adheres to the Public Procurement Act in all its procurement processes to ensure optimal value for money.
Educators and pupils at Osu Home Junior High School (JHS) were left helpless after the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) cut off the school’s electricity supply on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Sources indicated that the power disconnection, which left the school in utter darkness and discomfort, was due to unpaid debts owed by the school to ECG for electrical services.
The power interruption occurred while students were taking their Information, Communication, and Technology (I.C.T.) exam on the second day of the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
This predicament led school administrators to urgently appeal for a swift resolution.
To avoid drawing political and media scrutiny, supervisors and some school officials sought the assistance of a private electrician who illicitly reconnected the power, thus creating a suitable environment for the students.
The Electricity Company of Ghana has yet to officially reinstate power at the school, and there is a significant chance that the final-year students will have to take their core mathematics exam on Wednesday in the dark if the problem is not promptly addressed.
Rodney Nkrumah Boateng the Press Secretary to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), has defended his boss’ reputation following criticism over his casual response to inquiries about the ‘Dumsor’ timetable.
NAPO faced severe backlash months ago for suggesting that those seeking a load-shedding schedule should create their own during peak power outages.
In an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Rodney Nkrumah Boateng argued that NAPO’s suitability as a potential running mate for Dr. Bawumia should not be judged solely on a single media interaction. He stressed that NAPO’s qualifications and capabilities go beyond that incident.
While acknowledging the inconvenience of power cuts, Nkrumah Boateng assured that measures are being implemented to resolve the ‘Dumsor’ issue and ensure stable electricity supply.
He highlighted that the current power challenges are less severe and frequent compared to those during the Mahama administration, underscoring progress in addressing the issue.
“Clearly, what pertained recently cannot by any stretch of the imagination be compared to what happened in 2014 or 2015 there about. But again. The important thing is, it is what it is, and what is being done about it and it is what the timelines are and how to ensure that power is brought back.
“Nobody enjoys power cuts, what happened happened, and those discussions have been had. And even before those discussions, people have said whatever they have to say.
“You cannot define him by just one single interview and one sentence that he said, that is blatantly pretty unfair…the important thing is that, well, fortunately now we are way past all that, and we’re looking forward to what lies ahead, and then we take it from there,” he maintained.
Nkrumah Boateng emphasized that evaluating NAPO based solely on one interview and a single statement is unfair, noting that discussions have moved beyond past criticisms. He expressed optimism about future prospects and moving forward positively.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has successfully recovered GH¢11.44 million in outstanding payments from primarily business customers in the country during the first half of this year.
Additionally, 17 customers of both ECG and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) have collectively received GH¢552,972 through bill adjustments for the same period.
These recoveries were facilitated by the Greater Accra Region office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), following complaints filed by both utility providers and customers.
According to Gifty Bruce-Nelson, the Greater Accra Regional Manager of PURC, consumers and utility providers can file complaints under the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (Consumer Service) Regulation, 2020.
She highlighted that out of 804 complaints received during the period, 738 (91.7%) were resolved.
ECG accounted for 695 complaints (86%), while GWCL had 109 complaints (14%).
Bruce-Nelson explained that many complaints involved damaged appliances, requiring detailed investigations to determine responsibility.
She emphasized the commission’s role in conducting thorough investigations and community monitoring to ensure accurate utility services across the Greater Accra Region.
One ofElectricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG)transformer has been stolen by unidentified individuals in Bunso, located in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
The 100kVA transformer, worth GH¢71,000, was taken last week from its site near the Bunso Police barrier, adjacent to the police station.
Situated on the grounds of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, the transformer was in close proximity to both the Bunso Police Station and the Fire Service command.
According to a Citinewsroom.com report, the transformer is believed to have been stolen while security personnel were on duty.
This audacious theft has resulted in over a week of power outages, affecting not only the institutions mentioned but also the nearby households.
Officials at the Eastern Regional Office of ECG, who are deeply concerned about the frequent attacks on their infrastructure, are working diligently to replace the stolen transformer.
ECG management has called on security agencies to enhance their vigilance and take proactive measures to apprehend those responsible for these crimes, which significantly threaten the region’s power stability.
Unknown individuals have stolen a transformer belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Bunso, located in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region.
The 100kVA transformer, valued at GH¢71,000, was taken last week from its position at the Bunso Police barrier, near the police station.
The transformer was situated on the land of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, just a short distance from both the Bunso Police Station and the Fire Service command.
The theft is suspected to have occurred while personnel were on duty, highlighting the brazen nature of the crime.
This incident has led to prolonged power outages affecting these institutions and households in the surrounding area for over a week.
Sources at the Eastern Regional Office of the ECG, who are deeply concerned about the frequent attacks on their installations, are working diligently to replace the stolen transformer. The replacement will incur an additional 20 percent cost.
ECG management has called on security agencies to enhance their vigilance and proactively clamp down on the criminal elements whose activities are posing a significant threat to the stability of power supply in the region.
The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has clarified that the recent power outages across the country are not due to load-shedding by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Over the past few months, various regions have been experiencing intermittent power disruptions, affecting businesses and households alike.
Addressing inquiries in Parliament, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh provided several reasons for the unstable power supply.
“The question was asked over two months ago…No, ECG is not undertaking load-shedding as at the time the question was asked. Consumers were experiencing outages due to a number of factors. That included localised outages due to overload online and transformers.
“There are certain areas in this country where all of a sudden, the number of residents and businesses have accumulated, parts of East Legon which was purely residential area have now become a business district, increasing power consumption.
“Thereby hampering the existing lines there, so the transformers and lines had to be updated. Outages to the average capacity of overloaded lines and transformers.
“At the time the questionnaire put the question, CenPower had an emergency which meant a complete shutdown, losing immediately 40 megawatts. That also contributed and the plant maintenance on Amandi power was also ongoing at the same time.
“The emergency outages sometimes requested by GRIDCo have also contributed, so there were myriads of factors that had unfortunately happened, that is causing the power outages in different times. The reason ECG said they were not load-shedding is because most of the incidents were not planned and so they couldn’t have come out with a pre-programme to say they were loading” the Energy Minister explained.
For months, many parts of the country have faced intermittent power outages, causing inconvenience to businesses and households.
Responding to questions in Parliament, Dr. Opoku Prempeh explained that the outages were due to various factors, including localised issues with overloaded online transformers.
He highlighted the transformation of certain areas, like parts of East Legon, from purely residential to commercial districts, leading to increased power consumption and strain on existing infrastructure.
Additionally, he mentioned emergency situations such as the shutdown of the CenPower plant, resulting in a loss of 40 megawatts, and ongoing maintenance at the Amandi power plant.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh emphasized that these factors, along with emergency outages requested by GRIDCo, contributed to the power outages.
He stated that ECG could not have implemented a pre-programmed load shedding schedule due to the unplanned nature of the incidents.
The Minister’s clarification comes amidst public concern and speculation about the causes of the recent power outages. He assured that the government and relevant agencies are working to address the issues and improve the reliability of the country’s power supply.
Deputy Managing Director of theElectricity Company of Ghana (ECG),Mr. Kwadwo Obeng, has stated that the company is unable to provide a planned load-shedding schedule due to uncertainties in power supply.
He noted that strictly adhering to a timetable would be challenging, especially since not all outages stem from fuel supply issues.
Mr. Obeng further explained that outages can also result from planned maintenance, network faults, theft, and vandalism.
“We said that because information about how much was to be shared was erratic, we couldn’t really provide a timetable because, in the morning, we could say that we needed to shed just 40 megawatts at 8 o’ clock.
And imagine we prepared a table to shed 40 and by 12 pm, that situation changes.
“We realise that even if we prepare a timetable, there will be a lot of inconsistencies. And the worst we want to have as a nation would be for the utility provider to say you would go off and then you don’t go off, or your outage exceeds the stipulated period,” he said.
He was speaking at a public forum organised by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on how to address the current power challenges facing the country.
Mr Albert Ayirebi-Acquah, a representative of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), who generate about 2339 megawatts, said the IPPs have in the past three years generated about 40 percent of the country’s power needs.
“Although we don’t have the 2024 power plan, we expect to contribute over 50 percent of the power generated in the country,” he said.
Mr. Ayirebi-Acquah highlighted the ongoing power crisis, attributing it to fuel shortages and the government’s failure to fulfil its financial obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
He pointed out that the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM),designed to collect and distribute revenue to power generators, is not a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the power sector.
Ayirebi-Acquah acknowledged that while the IPPs regard the CWM as a temporary measure that offers some predictability and certainty of payment from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), it is crucial for the current commitments under the CWM to be met promptly.
This timely honour would enable IPPs to fulfil their financial responsibilities.
He also advocated for the inclusion of IPP representatives on the CWM implementation committee to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed.
The forum was attended by other stakeholders, including the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, the Volta River Authority, and the Ghana Grid Company Limited.
Deputy Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Kwadwo Obeng, has dismissed requests for a load shedding timetable amid ongoing power challenges.
ECG, in conjunction with GRIDCo, recently announced a three-week power outage due to a gas supply shortfall from Nigeria.
This announcement has prompted calls from business owners for a structured load shedding timetable to aid in planning during this period.
In interviews with Citi News, barbers and tailors expressed concerns over the impact on their businesses and emphasized the necessity of a timetable to organize their operations effectively.
“I think that the situation will have some effects on our businesses. There is nothing we can do. It’s only God that we are praying to save us from this. Because we don’t have any solution, I don’t have a generator to work. So, if there is no light, what can I do?
“I just have to sit down and wait till the lights are turned on. If there’s no light, how can I work? I can’t work. And if there is no work, how do you expect me to eat? Or solve my problems?
However, speaking at a public forum focused on addressing challenges in the power sector, Ing. Kwadwo Obeng emphasized that a fixed timetable might not remain accurate in the presence of additional faults and ongoing maintenance work.
“We’re collaborating with local manufacturers, we’re collaborating with companies that have plants here…there’s more certainty in the amount that needs to be shed, then the utilities can also plan, then we’re definite.
“We know there will be a three-week [challenge], do we even know the quantum, we don’t know the quantum. Without the quantum, how do you even prepare the schedule? There are several factors, having known the quantum, you need to know the duration, there’s an off-peak period, peak period.”
Obeng stressed the complexity of the situation and the need for flexibility in managing power supply interruptions effectively during this period of gas supply constraints.
Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) has reported a 36 percent shortfall in the payments made by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for gas in 2023.
According to the 2023 report, ECG paid approximately GHS 250 million, falling short of the expected GHS 385 million. This leaves an outstanding debt of GHS 140 million for the year.
The CWM and Natural Gas Clearinghouse (NGCH) outline the procedures for allocating and distributing tariff revenues collected by ECG to various entities in the electricity value chain, including the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGLC) and the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC).
Payments are made directly to these stakeholders based on a percentage of the monthly invoice amounts.
Despite allocations being made in July and August, ECG failed to make the corresponding payments.
The report also highlighted that GNGLC’s debt to GNPC has continued to increase, despite the implementation of the CWM to manage legacy debts.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced in its latest validation report that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fully complied with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for March 2024 payments.
This compliance comes after intense scrutiny and criticism from both the media and the PURC, which have been vocal about ECG’s failure to fully adhere to the CWM since its revision in August 2023.
The report indicates that ECG collected over GHS 1 billion for March 2024, which was used to settle invoices from January 2024.
From this revenue, ECG disbursed GHS 620 million ($52 million) to seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), representing a substantial 62% of ECG’s total revenue for the month.
“The CWM application for March 2024 payments was based on invoices submitted for January 2023. The total ECG revenues reported for March 2024 was GHS 1,002,850,000.00,” the report stated.
The remaining GHS 334.8 million, after payments to the IPPs and statutory obligations were accounted for, was distributed among Level B beneficiaries. These beneficiaries include state-owned enterprises such as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority, the Ghana National Gas Company, regulators, some power generators, and ECG itself.
Interestingly, March 2024 witnessed ECG fully compensating all Level B beneficiaries for the first time since the revised CWM came into effect. This signifies a notable shift from its prior pattern of incomplete payments to these entities.
However, despite the Ministry of Finance being responsible for covering any shortfalls, it has not fulfilled this duty since August 2023.
The deficit for March 2024 amounts to GHS 159.9 million. The PURC is presently engaging with the Ministry to ensure these obligations are honored.
“The Commission wishes to state that, MoF has not made up for the shortfalls since August 2023,” it stressed.
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)has confirmed in its latest validation report, the that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has fully complied with the Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) for March 2024 payments.
This compliance comes after significant scrutiny and criticism from both the media and the PURC regarding ECG’s previous failures to adhere to the CWM since its revision in August 2023.
According to the report, ECG generated over GHS 1 billion for March 2024, which was allocated to settle invoices from January 2024.
Out of this revenue, ECG disbursed GHS 620 million ($52 million) to seven Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). This payment represents a significant 62% of ECG’s total revenue for the month.
“The CWM application for March 2024 payments was based on invoices submitted for January 2023. The total ECG revenues reported for March 2024 was GHS 1,002,850,000.00,” the report stated.
The remaining GHS 334.8 million, after payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and statutory obligations, was allocated to Level B beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries include state-owned enterprises such as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority, the Ghana National Gas Company, regulators, some power generators, and ECG itself.
Notably, for the first time since the revised Cash Waterfall Mechanism (CWM) was implemented,ECG fully compensated all Level B beneficiaries in March 2024.
This is a significant improvement from its previous record of incomplete payments to these entities.
However, the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for covering any shortfalls, has not met this obligation since August 2023.
The shortfall for March 2024 is GHS 159.9 million. The PURC is currently in discussions with the Ministry to ensure these obligations are fulfilled.
“The Commission wishes to state that, MoF has not made up for the shortfalls since August 2023,” it stressed.
In 2023, Mr. Samuel Dubik Mahama, the Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), distinguished himself as one of the most impactful executives in the nation. Under his leadership, ECG experienced unprecedented growth and success, marking a significant turnaround for the beleaguered power operator. His leadership style, characterized by decisiveness and a no-nonsense approach, played a pivotal role in this transformation.
Achievements and Recognition
Mr. Mahama’s tenure at ECG has been marked by substantial accomplishments, earning him numerous awards and widespread recognition. His leadership not only enhanced the company’s performance but also solidified his reputation as a formidable leader in both the public and private sectors.
Leadership Style and Strategic Initiatives
Key to Mr. Mahama’s success was his no-nonsense approach to leadership, which was a breath of fresh air for a company long plagued by inefficiencies and operational challenges. He implemented several strategic initiatives that contributed to the company’s turnaround, including:
Operational Reforms: Mr. Mahama introduced rigorous operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waste. This included streamlining processes and enforcing stricter compliance measures across all levels of the organization.
Financial Management: He prioritized sound financial management practices, ensuring better accountability and transparency in ECG’s financial dealings. This move helped restore investor and public confidence in the company’s operations.
Customer Service Improvements: Under his leadership, ECG made significant strides in enhancing customer service. By leveraging technology and improving response times, the company was able to better meet the needs of its customers, thereby improving its public image.
Stakeholder Engagement: Mr. Mahama demonstrated exceptional skill in managing relationships with key stakeholders, including the Parliament of Ghana. His dealings with the parliament showcased his commitment to accountability and his ability to handle high-pressure situations with composure.
Impact on ECG and the Broader Sector
Mr. Mahama’s leadership not only revitalized ECG but also set a new benchmark for leadership in Ghana’s power sector. His success is a testament to the impact that effective, no-nonsense leadership can have on a struggling organization. By instilling a culture of discipline and excellence, he paved the way for sustained growth and improvement.
Mr. Samuel Dubik Mahama’s tenure as Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana in 2023 stands as a model of transformational leadership. His strategic initiatives and no-nonsense approach brought about significant improvements, earning him recognition and respect across the industry.
Reflecting on his two-year tenure as ECG boss, Samuel Mahama shared five key achievements in a LinkedIn post.
He highlighted the implementation of digital solutions to enhance cashless payment and billing processes in the power system while addressing distribution losses and corruption.
Dubik Mahama also emphasized the successful revitalization of the ECG PowerApp, resulting in a significant increase in active users from 500,000 to over 3.5 million.
“Elevated the company’s monthly revenue from GHS 400 million to an impressive GHS 1 billion,” he wrote.
“Significantly reduced meter request backlogs through the Loss Reduction Project (LRP), achieving an injection of 275,000 meters into the system as of May 10, 2024,” Dubik Mahama added.
Furthermore, the ECG boss emphasized the ongoing initiative to replace outdated meters in alignment with the power distribution company’s upgraded meter management system across its operational regions.
“We are committed to transparency, and soon, we will be sharing comprehensive updates with our valued customers, detailing our efforts to enhance operational efficiency for a more reliable power supply. I extend my sincere gratitude to all staff members for their unwavering support through both challenges and triumphs,” Dubik Mahama’s post concluded.
In May 2022, President Akufo-Addo designated Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama as the Managing Director of ECG, succeeding Kwame Agyeman–Budu, who reached the statutory retirement age of 60 during the same month.
The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s assertion that officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) sabotaged the government’s digitalization of revenue collection.
Dr. Bawumia, speaking at the Annual AGM of Anti-corruption Agencies in Africa on May 9, claimed that certain IT unit staff at ECG introduced ransomware to disrupt the system’s proper functioning.
He stated that the ransomware caused the system to fail and that national security intervention was required to identify the staff responsible for the sabotage.
However, the PUWU issued a statement on Monday, May 13, refuting the Vice President’s claims as “inaccurate and misleading.”
The Union further expressed disappointment over the Vice President’s assertion that the incident was a deliberate act by ECG staff to thwart a project beneficial to the company and Ghana.
It said in September 2022, EOCO began a forensic audit on the ECG Power App, requesting the payment platform architecture, databases, API documentation, and the power app custom source code, including backend prepayment systems credentials.
The Union pointed out that EOCO employed third-party IT professionals for the task, implying that ECG IT staff were not the only ones with access to ECG’s ICT infrastructure.
The Union indicated that the first ransomware attack, which occurred on September 28, 2022, was reported to the Cyber Security Authority, as per regulation.
It said following the attack, which was perceived as a national security threat, the National Security took control of the ECG ICT system.
“In the midst of the takeover, the second and most severe of the ransomware attacks occurred on the 11th November 2022, at the time the National Security personnel had both full physical access and software administrative rights to all ECG systems. The National Security arrested and detained some ECG ICT staff for days but were later released.”
“In all these cases, the systems were restored with the major assistance by the ECG ICT staff. It is therefore factually inaccurate that National Security came in to recover the system, as reported by His Excellency the Vice President.”
The Electricity Company of Ghana‘s (ECG) Ashanti sub-transmission division has entered a collaborative agreement with the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to enhance supply capacity and meet the rising electricity demand in the region.
This partnership was formalized during a meeting held at GRIDCo’s headquarters in Anwomaso.
According to the agreement reached during the meeting, there are plans to install a 145MVA power transformer between GRIDCo and ECG Bulk Supply Points.
This upgrade aims to replace one of the existing three 50MVA transformers, thereby increasing installed capacity to address growing load demands, particularly during peak hours, typically between 7 pm and 11 pm.
Previously, the 50MVA transformers at the Anwomaso Bulk Supply Point sometimes operated at maximum capacity during peak periods due to increased demand.
However, with the planned installation of the 145MVA transformer, the total installed capacity will rise to 245MVA, compared to the current 150MVA provided by three 50MVA transformers.
Both parties anticipate that this initiative will improve supply capacity and reliability across the region.
Additionally, discussions during the meeting also focused on upgrading the Obuasi and Konongo Substations with 50/66 MVA transformers to meet growing industrial needs in those areas and enhance supply reliability.
Further discussions included plans to dispatch another 145MVA transformer to Ridge BSP shortly to increase supply capacity for the station and the broader region.
Following these discussions, a site visit was conducted to assess suitable installation locations for the new transformer.
Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher, General Manager for Ashanti Sub-transmission, and his team collaborated closely with the GRIDCo team to identify optimal sites, aiming to minimize material costs associated with cable laying and civil works.
Currently, the region is served by two Bulk Supply Points, Anwomaso and Ridge, which distribute high-voltage power to primary substations, subsequently serving local transformers to meet consumer needs.
A user on the X platform, @CallmeAlfredo, has criticized Fidelity Bank for taking legal action against Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, over inquiries into the bank’s foreign exchange transactions with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to the X user, this move aims to suppress criticism and stifle public discourse on crucial matters.
The involvement of a lawyer representing Fidelity Bank, who is also a Member of Parliament, raises concerns about ethical conflicts.
The user emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of democracy.
“Fidelity Bank is suing Bright Simons for asking public interest and accountability questions related to its forex dealings with ECG. Fidelity is represented in this case by a lawyer, who’s also an MP paid by taxpayers. This shouldn’t be happening in any serious democracy,” he wrote.
Fidelity Bank has reportedly initiated legal action against Bright Simons, following his allegation that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) engaged in sweetheart exchange rate deals with the bank, amounting to approximately GHC80 million.
Executive Director for Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ben Boakye, disclosed this information, citing Bright Simons’ lawyers as his source.
In a tweet, Mr. Simons confirmed the story but mentioned that he has not yet been officially served.
He expressed his willingness to confront the bank in court and provide evidence for his claims.
Mr. Simons emphasized that Ghanaian citizens are suffering from erratic power supply due to such financial decisions made by ECG, which he considers as “financial mismanagement.”
“The dumsor that the people experience recurrently stems from financial mismanagement. We will probe anything that allows that to happen. Including ECG FX deals. The courts support sound public policy & public interest. For the people till we die,” he wrote.
On March 2, 2024, Ben Boakye emphasized that ECG purchased the US dollar at GHC13.95, exceeding the prevailing market rate, resulting in over GHC80 million in losses in one month for acquiring $43 million.
Mr. Simons contends that ECG must promptly clarify its involvement in such currency exchange transactions, as it prompts inquiries about the utility’s comprehension of the actual worth of the Ghanaian Cedi in contrast to the broader market.
Reportedly, in October 2023, the exchange rate for commercial banks was below GHC11.5 per dollar, but ECG purportedly procured dollars at a substantially higher rate, leading to considerable exchange deficits.
Yes, we await service 1. The dumsor that the people experience recurrently stems from financial mismanagement 2. We will probe anything that allows that to happen. Including ECG FX deals 3. The courts support sound public policy & public interest 4. For the people till we die.🙇🏽♂️ https://t.co/VgkrAGBlky
Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has revealed that government efforts to digitize revenue collection faced obstacles from Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) staff.
Addressing the Annual AGM of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that certain individuals within the IT unit of ECG intentionally implanted ransomware to disrupt the system’s functionality.
“They just kept it at GHC450 million every month. So, I said we need to send in a team to digitalise the new collection of the Electricity Company of Ghana, so we sent in a team, and we began the process of digitalisation.
“Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged it? They put in ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.”
“And we found the computer through which the ransomware was injected in the system. It took us a while to restore the system. They asked for a ransom to actually allow for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a public warning regarding the dangers posed by sagging or fallen electrical conductors during rainy weather, highlighting the potential for fatal accidents.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the power distributor emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with any sagging or fallen electrical conductors during rainy days due to the significant risk they pose.
“ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal,” it stated.
“Individual/localized outages and incidents of fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinities should be reported to the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for prompt intervention,” it stated.
Additionally, the company advised the public to promptly report any incidents of individual or localized power outages, as well as instances of fallen or sagging conductors in their vicinity.
It urged individuals to contact the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, visit the nearest ECG office, or reach out via social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for swift intervention.
The emphasis on safety and the proactive approach to addressing potential hazards underscores ECG’s commitment to ensuring public welfare and minimizing risks associated with electrical infrastructure during adverse weather conditions.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed a significant increase in revenue collection at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) following the government’s digitalization initiatives.
Dr. Bawumia credited the surge in ECG’s revenue collection to the digitalization of its operations, noting that monthly collections rose from GHC450 million to over a billion.
Addressing the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia urged other member states to adopt Ghana’s approach of utilizing digital tools to combat corruption.
He expressed dismay over the introduction of malware into the system during its initial stages by ECG staff in the IT department.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted this transformation as a testament to the efficacy of digitalization in enhancing efficiency and curbing corruption.
“Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged it, they put ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.
He stressed, “We found the computer in which the ransomware was injected into the system. It took us a while to restore the system. They asked for a ransom actually for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work. Anyway, they were arrested.
“And we restored the system, and we digitized the system, and we said that no more cash payments for electricity in Ghana. You only pay with your mobile money or electronic bank transfers. So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, the collection has now gone to over a billion cedis a month?” he asked.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed that officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) hindered the government’s efforts to digitize revenue collection.
Under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the government has prioritized digitalization initiatives, with Dr. Bawumia playing a central role in driving these efforts forward.
Speaking at the Annual AGM of Anti-corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that certain individuals within the IT unit at ECG introduced ransomware into the system to disrupt its functionality.
He elaborated that this ransomware caused a collapse of the system, necessitating intervention from national security to identify and address the individuals responsible for the sabotage.
“They just kept it at GHC450 million every month. So, I said we need to send in a team to digitalise the new collection of the Electricity Company of Ghana, so we sent in a team, and we began the process of digitalise.
“Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged, they put in ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable.”
“And we found the computer which the ransomware was injected in the system. It took us awhile to restore the system. They asked for a ransom to actually allow for this to work. Can you imagine? That we should pay, they submitted a bill that we should pay for the system to work.
“Anyway, they were arrested. And we restored the system and we digitised the system and we said that no more cash payments for electricity in Ghana. You only pay by your mobile money, electronic bank transfers. So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, collections have now gone to over a billion cedis a month.”
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning urging the public to stay away from sagging or fallen electrical conductors, especially during rainy weather, due to the potential fatal risks involved.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 9, the power distributor emphasized the importance of caution, stating, “ECG wishes to caution all and sundry to be extremely careful during rainy days not to go near any sagging or fallen electrical conductor since it could be fatal.”
The company also advised that any incidents of individual or localized power outages, as well as fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinity, should be reported promptly to ensure safety.
“Individual/localized outages and incidents of fallen or sagging conductors within customers’ vicinities should be reported to the ECG Call Centre on 0302-611611, the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for prompt intervention,” it stated.
Throughout Africa, the cost of electricity is steadily increasing, adding to the financial burden of consumers already grappling with inflation and economic pressures.
Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage, emphasizes the importance of proactive energy management to alleviate this strain.
He has shared 10 ways individuals can leverage smart home technologies to monitor, control, and automate electrical appliances, thereby conserving electricity and saving money.
Knowledge is power: Understanding appliance energy consumption is crucial for efficient energy use. Smart home technologies offer insights into usage patterns, facilitating targeted energy-saving efforts.
Load management: Home automation systems can prioritize energy usage, ensuring only one heavy-load appliance operates at a time for optimal energy distribution.
Setting limits: Users can specify appliance operating durations to conserve energy, such as limiting geyser usage to specific hours.
Scheduling: Leveraging off-peak hours for appliance usage can reduce electricity costs. Smart technology enables users to schedule appliance operation accordingly.
Winter consumption: In colder months, energy demand rises due to heating appliances. Smart devices can regulate usage to minimize costs without compromising comfort.
Environmental responsiveness: Smart technologies can adjust appliance usage based on environmental conditions, optimizing energy use and conservation.
Remote control: Users can remotely monitor and control connected appliances via smartphones, ensuring energy efficiency even when away from home.
Standby power management: Smart home solutions can identify and minimize standby power consumption, reducing electricity wastage.
Renewable energy integration: Smart technologies facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources like rooftop solar, maximizing energy efficiency.
Voltage protection: Setting voltage range limits safeguards appliances from damage during power fluctuations, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
Dr. Dickson highlights that implementing smart home technologies doesn’t necessitate rewiring homes. Devices like smart plugs and controllers can be easily installed by electricians, offering cost-effective energy-saving solutions.
As the cost of living continues to rise, Dr. Dickson encourages Africans to take control of their energy consumption and save where possible.
For more information, visit https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on social media platforms.
About CBI-electric: low voltage:
Established in 1949, CBI-electric: low voltage specializes in quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment.
As a subsidiary of Reunert, the company operates internationally, supplying products for diverse applications.
In 2021, the brand launched its Astute Range of smart IoT home automation products, further enhancing its offerings in the energy management sector.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi, asserted that electricity theft contributes to 30% of the revenue losses experienced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He suggested that addressing this issue of electricity theft would enable the power distribution company to operate at a profit.
During an appearance on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, May 5, 2024, Mr. Avedzi made these remarks, “If ECG is able to focus on rectifying the theft of power, which accounts for 30 percent of revenue losses, they can return to profit-making.”
His statement follows the Auditor-General’s report, which underscored the revenue losses incurred by ECG.
During his appearance before PAC in February this year, ECG’s Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, highlighted the detrimental impact of the local currency’s depreciation on their operations.
Mahama elucidated that since the power distribution company primarily purchases electricity in dollars and sells in Cedi, the depreciation of the Cedi against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar, was adversely affecting their business.
“The forex losses alone for the year are something that we have to look at in terms of our business. Forex losses are what culminate in over 80 percent of the losses that you are seeing. ECG sells electricity, so we will do our best to sell enough to reduce our commercial losses to the best of our ability to see how we can close that gap,” Mahama earlier stated.
In March of this year, ECG initiated a nationwide revenue mobilization campaign.
The head of ECG emphasized that this revenue mobilization effort was conducted in accordance with the provisions of Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI 2413(2020).
This legislation granted ECG the authority to access all its installations at any given time.
In contrast, ECG’s collection losses by September 2023 had surged to GH¢2,050,373,143.47.
Collection loss refers to revenue not received due to non-payment, overdue payments, or uncollectible debts from tenants or customers.
Regarding technical losses, the company reported a loss of GH¢1,279,369,021.42 compared to GH¢2,758,872,792.21 in 2022.
In the coastal communities of Anloga and Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, residents have voiced grievances regarding what they perceive as insensitive billing practices by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
They claim that the irregular and excessive billing not only poses frustrations but also leads to significant disruptions in their daily routines and threatens the viability of local businesses.
During interviews with various residents, a prevailing sentiment surfaced: widespread discontent and disillusionment with the ECG’s billing procedures.
Numerous individuals recounted instances of receiving bills vastly surpassing their actual usage, with several noting abrupt surges in charges lacking explanation or justification.
Emmanuel Gbli, a local small business proprietor in Anloga, voiced his exasperation, stating, “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain my business with these outrageous electricity bills. I’ve tried to reason with ECG officials but to no avail. It’s like they don’t care about the impact on us.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Martha, a resident of Keta, who lamented, “We are constantly living in fear of receiving our electricity bills. It’s like a lottery; you never know what amount they’ll come up with next. This uncertainty is suffocating both households and businesses alike.”
Community leaders have also added their voices to the grievances, condemning the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for its perceived insensitivity and neglect. They contend that these billing practices not only destabilize the local economy but also diminish confidence in public utilities.
In reaction to the outcry, representatives from the ECG have recognized the complaints and pledged to conduct an investigation into the issue. Nonetheless, residents maintain a sense of skepticism, pointing to past assurances that have resulted in minimal observable improvements.
Villa Amore Beach Resort and Aborigines Beach Resort, alongside numerous other businesses, find themselves impacted by the exorbitant billing from ECG.
Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of ECG has reassured residents to stay calm as the company works to address the issue.
Tensions escalated during the May Day celebration in the Ashanti region as employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) staged a walkout while Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, was delivering his speech on Wednesday, May 1.
The employees were protesting against the minister’s decision to have their Regional Manager arrested and his failure to issue an apology for this action.
The National Vice Chairman of the ECG Senior Staff Workers Union, Bismark Adomah, announced that the company would suspend all communication with the Minister until an official apology and withdrawal of the case were issued promptly.
“As you are aware, we already have an issue with him. He has done something that the workers front are not happy. Initially, the workers front were demanding that we shouldn’t even appear at all. But we think that this is our programme and we need to represent. Since he said he’s not ready to fulfill whatever we asked him to do, we don’t even want to listen to him. So, this is just a peaceful protest that we’re not going to listen to whatever he will say. If he’s done with his speech, we’ll go back.”
Furthermore, the ECG workers’ union threatened to disconnect the Ashanti Regional Minister’s private residence if it is discovered that he has outstanding electricity bills.
This threat arose after Simon Osei Mensah denied accusations of unpaid electricity bills at some of his private properties.
Mr. Osei Mensah clarified that, with the exception of his Jachie residence, all his other properties operate on prepaid meters.
However, Yussif Osmanu Abdulai, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of ECG-Ashanti West, disclosed on Luv FM that the power company is currently reviewing meter readings from the minister’s residence.
If it is confirmed that he has unpaid bills, they will not hesitate to disconnect power to his home.
