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
-
Helicopter crash: Children’s support fund surpasses GH¢10.15m
24 minutes -
MobileMoney Ltd breaks silence on viral TikTok fraud claim, urges public to dial 419
2 hours -
Blind refugee found dead in New York after being released by immigration authorities
2 hours -
Stanbic Bank Ghana leads $205m financing for Engineers & Planners
2 hours -
MobileMoney Ltd responds to viral TikTok video by Healwithdiana, advises customers to report fraud on 419
2 hours -
Mobile Money Ltd’s Paapa Osei recognised in Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Ghana 2026
3 hours -
Flights in and out of Middle East cancelled and diverted after Iran strikes
3 hours -
Dr Maxwell Boakye to build 50-bed children’s ward at Samartex Hospital in honour of late mother
3 hours -
One killed and 11 injured at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports as Iran strikes region
3 hours -
Former MCE, 8 others remain in custody over alleged land fraud in Kumasi
3 hours -
Black Queens players stranded in UAE over Israel-Iran conflict
4 hours -
James Owusu declares bid for NPP–USA chairman, pledges renewal and unity
4 hours -
Trump threatens strong force if Iran continues to retaliate
5 hours -
Lekzy DeComic gears up for Easter comedy special ‘A Fool in April’
6 hours -
Iran declares 40 days of national mourning after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death
7 hours
