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Rather, what the government wants to do is to make the power distribution company more efficient by bringing on board the private sector in the billing, collection and management of some aspects of the company.
Responding to concerns raised in the media and a section of the public during a tour of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) Tema Regulating and Metering Station at Bankuman last Friday, Mr Jinapor dismissed any suggestion that the government intended to privatise ECG.
“The assertion that we are selling ECG is not true. ECG will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about a high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” Mr Jinapor said.
The minister explained the financial strain caused by inefficiencies in the energy sector and stressed that the Minister of Finance should not under normal circumstances use the taxpayers' resources meant for other developmental projects such as roads, schools and hospitals to settle debts owed to energy suppliers such as WAPCo and Nigerian Gas (N-Gas).
Mr Jinapor emphasised that shares of ECG would remain intact, and no shares would be diluted.
PUWU opposes
In January, this year, the Public Utility Workers' Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reiterated its opposition to any form of privatisation or diversification of the ECG.
PUWU's opposition to ECG’s privatisation was rooted in concerns about the potential consequences of private control over the electricity sector.
Workers from ECG have consistently opposed the privatisation process, submitting proposals to the government that demonstrated the value of maintaining public control.
The union's stance was also informed by its commitment to protecting the interests of its members and ensuring that the provision of essential services such as electricity remains a public responsibility.
As an entity representing utility sector workers, PUWU said it was resolute in its opposition to privatisation and diversification initiatives that might compromise the public interest.
Background
On assumption of office last month, the Energy Minister inaugurated a seven-member technical committee to spearhead consultations within the power distribution sector and devise a comprehensive plan for the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) within a month.
The committee, composed of energy experts and key stakeholders, is charged with crafting strategies to transition ECG to private sector management, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
“Let me assure the nation that we have not decided to sell ECG. Ours is to ensure that we get the private sector involved, and we also want to emphasise local participation,” he said at the inauguration of the committee.
The Energy Minister underscored the importance of a transparent and inclusive approach in the privatisation process, tasking the committee to consult extensively with all relevant stakeholders.
“We want this to be done in a transparent, effective and responsible way.
The committee is supposed to consult all stakeholders, including the workers, staff, unions, consumers, and those who matter,” Mr Jinapor explained.
The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to chart a new path for ECG’s management, aiming to address long-standing inefficiencies and ensure reliable power distribution across the country.
Writer’s email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
via: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-govt-wont-sell-ecg-minister.html
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