Gov’t, others owe ECG GHC 222m – WB Report

According to the 2013 World Bank report, government together with some state agencies owe the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) GHC 222 million as at the end of 2012.

The report revealed that the debt came about as a result of unpaid bills over several months.

But Deputy Minister of Energy and Petroleum, John Jinapor, has assured that government is working to clear all the debts.

“Don’t forget ECG also owes government so we must do reconciliation. We are in the process of doing that and we are sure we will settle all the arrears,” the deputy minister stated.

He adds that government is about 70 percent complete with plans to put all Ministries, Department and Agencies on prepaid meters.

“But we are also conscious of the fact that some critical institutions ought to be considered. For instance [hospital] theatres, children’s wards, medical facilities and other sensitive areas have to be looked at.”

According to him, government is engaging relevant stakeholders so that attempts to put Ministries, Department and Agencies on prepaid metres do not disrupt their operations.

After scrutinising the challenges facing the energy and petroleum sectors in the country, the World Bank report also called for a change in the corporate and institutional structure of the ECG.

The report indicated that there should be changes in the Board Membership and operation of the electricity company.