The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to assess options for private sector involvement in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to revitalize ECG, which has struggled with inefficiencies, financial losses, and mounting debt, affecting the delivery of reliable electricity to Ghanaians.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Jabesh Amisah-Arthur, an energy consultant, with Dr. Shafic Suleman serving as Secretary. Other members include:

Mr. Benjamin Boakye, Dr. Simon Akorli, Mr. Ebenezer Baiden, Ms. Emma Akua Bulley and Mr. Edward Abrokwah

Speaking at the inauguration on Friday, Minister Jinapor emphasized the need for private sector participation to enhance ECG’s financial and operational sustainability.

“…We believe there should be private sector participation,” he stated, noting that private involvement could bring the resources, expertise, and efficiency required to improve electricity supply nationwide.

He assured that the decision-making process would be transparent and non-partisan, allowing the committee to operate independently to develop a framework based on broad national consensus.

“…We will stay off as politicians and let them develop a framework in a transparent, open, and frank manner.

Once we get the buy-in of Ghanaians, we can set standards using a Request for Proposal (RFP) or competitive tender process,” he added.

The primary task of the committee is to examine and propose viable models for private-sector participation that could enhance ECG’s efficiency without compromising national interests.

Committee Chairman Mr. Amisah-Arthur pledged to ensure a balanced approach, considering the concerns of customers, stakeholders, and employees.

“…We will consider the main weaknesses of the distribution sector and give priority to homegrown approaches and strategies,” he assured, emphasizing that local private sector entities would be given opportunities to contribute.

The committee also intends to learn from past efforts, incorporating successful interventions and recommendations while ensuring ECG remains a strategic national asset.