The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has declared that Ghana’s electricity supply has remained stable over the last three months, despite inheriting significant challenges from the previous administration.
Speaking in Parliament, the minister attributed the improved power situation to decisive measures implemented by the current government.
Addressing Members of Parliament during a session, Minister Jinapor acknowledged the enormity of the difficulties facing the energy sector upon assuming office.
He revealed that in December alone, the country faced a power deficit exceeding 700 megawatts, which necessitated tough decisions and strategic interventions.
“Mr. Speaker, admittedly, when we assumed office, the power situation was very, very challenging. Like I stated on this floor, in December alone, the deficit was more than 700 megawatts. We had to take a lot of difficult steps and decisions to get to where we are today,” Jinapor said.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the current state of electricity supply, emphasizing that the past three months have seen a notably stable power situation.
He invited all stakeholders to verify this improvement, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power for economic activities.
Jinapor stated “I am happy to note that over the past 3months the power situation has been very very stable and that is testable everybody can attest to that.”
Despite the progress, Minister Jinapor cautioned that challenges remain, particularly concerning Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who continue to threaten disruptions due to outstanding legacy debts.
However, he expressed confidence that the government’s caliber and the programs underway will secure an adequate and reliable power supply.
“Some IPPs keep threatening us because of their legacy debts, but given the caliber of government we have and the program we are putting in place, I am confident that we will ensure there’s adequate, uninterruptible supply of power for economic activity,” he assured.
In addition to updates on power supply, the minister announced plans to introduce a legislative instrument aimed at imposing stricter penalties on individuals who illegally install electricity meters or tamper with consumer meters.
The legislation will empower the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the sole authority mandated to install meters, to enforce compliance more effectively.
“Ordinarily, it is ECG that has the mandate to install meters, and so we are working on a Legislative Instrument to be submitted to Parliament so that those who otherwise own such meters will face severe penalties to serve as a deterrent,” Jinapor explained.
Minister Jinapor highlighted ongoing enforcement efforts, including arrests and prosecutions, supported by a dedicated court system for electricity-related offenses.
He also recounted recent incidents in Tamale where utility personnel faced attacks during revenue recovery exercises, appealing to the public for cooperation.
“In Tamale, for instance, yesterday when our men from NEDCO were on an exercise, some of them were attacked. Mr. Speaker, let me use this opportunity to make a passionate and humble appeal to Ghanaians: if we don’t work with these utilities, we will struggle to recover revenues, which is critical to maintaining power supply,” he urged.
Source : www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
