Private sector entry does not mean ECG is failing - Energy Ministry

The government has defended the performance of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), saying its plan to bring private companies into electricity distribution does not mean the utility company is performing poorly.

Speaking at the Energy Sustainability Leadership Conference on August 27, 2026, Acting Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Dr Yussiq Sulemana, said the government’s plans for the energy sector do not suggest poor performance by ECG.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, he said ECG is already doing an excellent job, but private sector participation would help complement its efforts and improve efficiency.

Ghana’s economic recovery beats IMF expectations – Adrian Alter

“This is not to say that ECG is not doing the best… In fact, they are doing an excellent job. We are only complementing the effort of what they are doing, just to make sure that we improve efficiency within the system,” he stated.

He added that the main reason for bringing private companies into the distribution system is to improve electricity delivery and payment collection.

According to him, the plan is not simply to replace ECG’s management but to bring in additional private capital, expertise and better systems to support the company.

He said private sector investment could also help address some of the financial challenges affecting the energy sector, particularly cash-flow constraints and unpaid bills.

Dr Sulemana also disclosed that the government had secured a partial World Bank guarantee of about $500 million to support the gas sector.

“We have also managed to secure a partial guarantee by the World Bank for our gas, about half a billion, within this period,” he disclosed.

He said the guarantee forms part of efforts to improve cash flow and prevent financial challenges from affecting the energy industry.

Here's how much a coconut seller in Accra earns on average

The government believes the planned private sector participation will help improve efficiency, revenue collection and investment in Ghana’s electricity distribution system.

It says the reforms are intended to strengthen the sector while supporting the work already being done by ECG.

DR/MA

Ghana will not borrow simply because financing is available – Dr Ato Forson