Civil Society activist Dr. Steve Manteaw has emphasized the need to shield the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from political meddling to ensure its optimal performance. This call comes amidst plans to privatize ECG, which Manteaw strongly opposes, citing the lack of successful privatization examples in Ghana's public sector.
Manteaw's concerns are timely, as the Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to explore private sector involvement in ECG's operations. The committee, chaired by energy consultant Jabesh Amisah-Arthur, aims to develop a framework for privatization within a month.
While the government believes private sector participation can bring resources, expertise, and efficiency to ECG, Manteaw argues that insulation from political interference is crucial. He points to the success of GCB and Goil, which were protected from political meddling, as examples to follow.
The Need for Transparency and Neutrality
Minister Jinapor has emphasized the importance of a non-partisan approach to the privatization process, ensuring neutrality and expertise in the committee's composition. The committee is expected to engage with stakeholders, including ECG employees, unions, consumers, and industry partners, to develop a comprehensive plan.
The government's commitment to transparency and inclusivity is welcome, but it remains to be seen how this will play out in practice. As Manteaw noted, the privatization of state entities has not yielded positive results in the past, and it is essential to learn from these experiences.
The Way Forward
As Ghana navigates the complex process of privatizing ECG, it is crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability, and local content participation. The government must ensure that the interests of Ghanaians are protected and that the privatization process is free from political interference.
By doing so, Ghana can create a more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused energy industry that benefits the economy and its citizens. As Manteaw emphasized, insulating ECG from political meddling is essential to achieving this goal.
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