By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has firmly assured Ghanaians that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will not be privatised under his leadership, despite the company’s current financial challenges.
Speaking at the national May Day parade organised by labour unions on May 1, 2025, President Mahama said ECG is facing serious difficulties due to poor management over the past eight years, which has resulted in a debt of GHS 68 billion. He warned that without urgent action, the entire power sector could collapse.
However, he stressed that his plan is not to privatise ECG, but rather to bring in private partners to help improve the company’s efficiency.
“Let me assure you, it is not my intention to privatise ECG as an institution,” he said. “Our focus is on a public-private collaboration to improve electricity distribution.”
The president cited an example from his previous administration, where a private company in the Free Zones enclave was allowed to manage metering and billing, while ECG continued to supply power. He said the arrangement led to a 99% revenue collection rate.
He emphasised that such partnerships can strengthen ECG’s performance without compromising public ownership.
“Read my lips for emphasis,” he said. “Electricity Company of Ghana, as an institution, will not be privatised.”
