Accra: Mr. Richard Gyan-Mensah, Deputy Energy and Green Transition Minister-designate, has expressed support for the privatisation of certain aspects of the Electricity Company of Ghana's (ECG) operations, specifically its metering and billing systems, to boost efficiency and improve service delivery.
According to Ghana News Agency, during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr. Gyan-Mensah emphasized that involving a private entity in managing ECG's metering and billing systems would lead to increased efficiency and revenue generation for the government. He highlighted that this initiative could also help reduce the ECG's commercial losses and potentially lower electricity tariffs.
When questioned about the possibility of returning to power outages, commonly referred to as "dumsor," Mr. Gyan-Mensah clarified that there is no current power rationing. However, he noted that ongoing maintenance of the gas pipeline by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has affected gas supply to some thermal plants. He reassured that once maintenance is completed next month, power outages will cease.
Addressing concerns about the future of fossil fuels amid a global shift toward renewable energy, Mr. Gyan-Mensah stated that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a gradual process. He asserted that while the country will continue to exploit its fossil fuel resources, efforts will be made to harness renewable energy sources in the long term.
Regarding accessing funds under the carbon credit facility, Mr. Gyan-Mensah mentioned that the government would promote the planting of commercial trees nationwide. He expressed optimism that the establishment of the Tree Crop Development Authority by the previous government was a step in the right direction.
Mr. Gyan-Mensah pledged his commitment to supporting the substantive minister in implementing President John Mahama's energy policies.
