We need more consultation before deciding on ECG private participation – Adomako-Mensah

Collins Adomako-Mensah, a Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North and a member of the Energy Committee, has urged for more extensive consultation before determining private sector involvement in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). He clarified that the Minority party has consistently backed private sector engagement in the retail side of ECG's operations to enhance efficiency.

In his interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Adomako-Mensah stated that the party has consistently advocated for allowing private players in ECG's retail operations to boost efficiency. He explained that ECG's major challenges have typically been technical and commercial losses, with commercial losses primarily resulting from difficulties in collecting revenue for the electricity supplied.

The Minority's stance is that involving private players in certain aspects of ECG's operations could improve revenue collection and overall efficiency. However, Adomako-Mensah acknowledged that ECG has recently shown improvements in its operations, prompting questions about the necessity of private participation in areas where the state-owned company is already becoming more efficient.

He questioned whether private players should be involved in aspects that have already led to ECG's improved efficiency. Despite this consideration, Adomako-Mensah reiterated that the Minority is not against private sector participation. He emphasized the need for further consultations and the opportunity for all stakeholders to voice their opinions before making a decision.

Adomako-Mensah also mentioned that the government had established a committee to explore the modalities for the proposed arrangement, with the committee submitting its report to the President. However, he noted that the report has not been made public, and members of the Energy Committee have not had access to it. The debate over private sector participation in ECG and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has gained traction, with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) expressing concerns about the arrangement.

Adomako-Mensah stressed that the process should allow for wider stakeholder input before reaching a final decision.