Privatisation of ECG may risk affordability and stability of electricity services – Energy expert

Chief Executive Officer of Independent Power Generators, Ghana, Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has said the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) may risk its accessibility and affordability. He further explained that a private ownership of ECG may lead to unstable power supply which will lead to the disruptions in operations of businesses. In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb Business, Mr Apetorgbor said, 'Privatisation may risk the accessibility, affordability, and stability of electricity services, crucial for national development." His comment comes after Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged government to consider privatising certain public institutions including the Electricity Company of Ghana and Volta River Authority to stimulate industrial growth and attract investment in Ghana. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II while speaking at the commissioning of a 430-kilometre natural gas pipeline by Genser Energy, said the private sector is better equipped to manage these companies efficiently and eff ectively. Reacting to this, Mr Apetorgbor stated that the privatisation of businesses often prioritises profit maximisation over public service. He added that these companies may focus on affluent areas while neglecting rural and low-income communities. This, he said, can lead to tariff hikes, burdening consumers, especially those with limited purchasing power. He therefore called on government to focus on empowering and retaining ECG to ensure accountability, equitable access, and strategic governance control over the national asset. Source: Ghana Web