Ghana’s government has firmly dismissed speculation that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is set to be privatised, reaffirming its commitment to keeping the state-owned power distributor under public control.
Speaking at the May Day celebration at Black Star Square on Thursday, May 1, President John Mahama assured citizens that while ECG is grappling with GH¢68 billion in debt and systemic inefficiencies, the government’s focus is on forging public-private partnerships to inject efficiency into electricity distribution rather than selling the institution outright.
He warned that without urgent reforms, the stability of the national power sector is at risk.
Citing a successful model from his previous term, President Mahama highlighted the partnership with Enclave Power in the free zones area, where ECG supplies bulk power while the private entity handles metering and billing—achieving a 99% revenue collection rate.
He presented this as evidence that collaboration with the private sector can boost efficiency without relinquishing state ownership.
The President reiterated that while changes are necessary to avoid sector collapse and reduce tariffs, electricity distribution will remain publicly owned, and partnerships will be structured to protect national interests.
