80% of Ghanaians call for privatisation of ECG - Survey

A recent survey by the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has revealed more than 80% of Ghanaians want the Electricity Company of Ghana to be privatised.

Speaking to 3 FM about the need for broad consultations before political parties put their manifestos together, the Executive Director of ACEP Dr Amin Adams said three reasons for which Ghanaians want this is the need for reliable power supply, affordable power, and a proactive power policy that is not reactive and knee-jerk.

He also revealed that at least five companies which have been awarded oil blocks have not moved to site.

According to him, this implies that the country's energy requirements will not be met in the long term due to lack of enough exploration activities underway at the moment.

The Government of Ghana is considering a concession option for the ECG by the middle of this year.

Under the Concession, the state would enter into a long-term contract: 20 – 30 years with the private partner, where the private partner would have the exclusive right to operate, maintain and carry out investments in ECG for a defined number of years.

The private partner would have the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of all assets and investment during the period.

The state would retain full ownership of ECG as the asset holding company; at the end of the concession period, control of ECG reverts to the state unless GoG decides to extend or re-tender the concession.