Coronavirus: Cement manufacturers, steel firms not benefitting from electricity reliefs

In his 6th address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a relief on electricity to support individuals and businesses, with full cover for bills of low-income consumers and 50% for consumers who fall outside the category.

However, cement manufacturing companies and steel companies located within the Tema Free Zones enclave say they have been denied such support from government – which is seriously affecting their business.

The affected parties include CIMAF Ghana Ltd., CBI Ghana Limited, United Steel Company Ltd. and Rider Steel Company Ltd. All are seriously lamenting that Enclave Power Company (EPC), the energy supplier within the enclave, only gave 22% rebate of its April 2020 bill instead of 50%; a situation that is seriously affecting their production, considering the adverse effects of COVID-19 on businesses.

Speaking to the media, Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana – who doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries Tema, described the situation and attitude of the energy supplier (Enclave Power Company) as unfortunate, and called on government to as a matter of urgency intervene to salvage the situation.

“This is absolutely an unfair trade practice, and it does not augur well for fair competition considering the fact that other cement players and steel companies outside the enclave are enjoying the 50% rebate under ECG. We have written to EPC to rectify the anomaly, and till now no practical resolution has been given to the affected parties.”

Rev. Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah on behalf of the AGI applauded government on the electricity relief, a move they observed will salvage businesses from possible collapse due to the catastrophic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities, and appealed to them to call the Enclave Power Company in order to ensure the affected parties enjoy the full 50% cover on electricity as instructed.