Audio By Carbonatix
Former Power Minister, Kwabena Donkor has cast doubts over government’s ability to find a new concessionaire to fulfil the power agreement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Dr. Donkor says instead of rushing into such a contract, a national discussion should be held on the way forward regarding power distribution in the country.
His comments follow government’s termination of the controversial concession agreement with the Power Distribution Service (PDS) over “material and fundamental” breaches.
Already, the US partners, MCC, who are aiding Ghana with some $500million to boost the power sector as part of a deal to allow private sector participation have noted the decision to cut off PDS with “regret.”
The decision was “unwarranted,” a statement from the US Embassy said.
However, the Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta in his letter to the MCC says he wants to use restrictive tendering to replace PDS.
The MCC in response ignored this request and only noted that the second tranche of the money, $190million was no longer available to Ghana as a result of the PDS contract termination.
Mr. Ofori Atta is set to address the nation on the way forward in the coming days.
Building on sentiments already expressed, Dr. Donkor told JoyNews’ UpFront programme on Wednesday that a national conversation should be held rather than rushing into another concession.
“You don’t just box yourself with one option,” he told host of UpFront, Raymond Acquah.
Questioning the motive for a new concessionaire, the Pru East MP wondered if the government is trying to please its US partners at the expense of national interest.
He suggested options such as using the stock exchange or a management contract for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Meanwhile, ECG has resumed total control of power distribution since the exit of PDS.
Public Relations Officer of ECG, Yaw Adjei Larbi says the change won’t cause any material changes such as job losses.
Latest Stories
-
Seidu Agongo builds lifeline facility for Ghana Police Hospital’s ‘Unknown Patients’
3 seconds -
Ghana ‘scandalised’ by rising job losses under NDC – Dr Adomako Kissi
8 minutes -
De Mayor Foundation supports over 700 widows and vulnerable persons in Adeiso
26 minutes -
Poll shows Mahama widening lead in hypothetical 2024 re-run
41 minutes -
Police Hospital relieved as new facility for ‘unknown patients’ eases long-standing burden
48 minutes -
Gender Ministry empowers Kayayei with health, financial literacy and safety skills
1 hour -
Goldbod’s gold strategy has anchored currency stability and economic confidence – Senyo Hosi
1 hour -
‘The law is the law’ – Mahama insists as Asake pleads on Cyborg’s behalf over firearm incident
1 hour -
Police arrest 2 over illegal possession of 2,600 AK-47 ammunition in Ashanti Region
1 hour -
Goldbod is rewriting Ghana’s gold story and restoring national value – Senyo Hosi asserts
2 hours -
Goldbod: Loss or no loss? The price of everything and the value of nothing
2 hours -
Goldbod’s $214m cost isn’t a loss but a strategic policy investment – Senyo Hosi
2 hours -
Government settles US$709m Eurobond obligations ahead of due date
2 hours -
Low inflation and cheaper imports show Goldbod’s true economic value – Senyo Hosi
2 hours -
VAT reforms: GRA raises registration threshold to GH¢750,000, cuts rate to 20% from Jan. 2026
2 hours
