John Jinapor, the Minister-Designate for Energy, has directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to halt all supply payments immediately. This directive forms part of his strategy to address inefficiencies and bring stability to the power sector.
Speaking directly to ECG staff, particularly those in the finance department, Jinapor issued a strong warning about the serious repercussions for failing to comply with the order.
In an interview on Eyewitness News on January 9, 2025, Jinapor expressed concerns over ECG’s significant revenue losses, attributing part of the problem to the company’s management of over 70 accounts, which has hindered effective monitoring and control.
He assured the public of his commitment to introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at streamlining ECG’s operations, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring a more stable and reliable power sector.
“The challenge of money emanates from inefficiencies. Because if ECG loses over 40% of its power generated, no matter what you do, you cannot find a solution. Other countries are doing just about 2-4% losses. So, with this $100 worth of power, you buy and sell, you collect only 60% and even with that, there are so many contracts, quality assurance, IT, provision and others.
“They are all deducting monies at the source. So, I have told the ECG, and this is also an instruction from the Chief of Staff, to seize all payment for supplies and I mean it. I have told them and if anybody is listening and is within ECG, whether the finance directorate, this was the instruction we gave them yesterday.
“Please don’t and I mean it, because there are serious consequences if you flout this directive. We need some serious buffers to anchor the system. All those numerous accounts will be closed. They have over 70 accounts and they cannot monitor that, so we need to reform that sector and we will reform that sector,” he stated.
