ECG is not for sale – Energy Minister

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has firmly rejected claims that the government is selling the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), stating that the utility will remain state-owned under a new concession model aimed at improving efficiency through private sector participation.

The Minister clarified that Cabinet has made a final decision not to privatize ECG. Instead, the government will invite private companies to manage specific operational zones under strict regulation and performance standards.

“We are not selling ECG, and let me put this on record,” Jinapor said. “So that decision has now been made. We are not selling ECG, far from that. So ignore the misinformation.”

Under the proposed plan, ECG will act as a holding company while its operational areas are divided geographically.

Private firms will manage power distribution in these regions but will be required to deposit guarantees and go through a competitive bidding process that includes prequalification and submission of formal proposals.

The Minister explained that ECG will supply bulk power and receive payment from the private managers based on usage, with prices regulated by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

These firms must demonstrate strong financial and technical capacity before being selected.

Speaking on April 30, Jinapor stressed that this approach maintains public ownership while holding concessionaires accountable for results.

“ECG will remain the holding company. We are not selling it. We are making it better,” he said.