Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has dismissed the government’s proposal to privatise the power distribution company further.

He argued that private sector participation is already integrated into the company’s operations and questioned the need for additional privatisation.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, January 15, Mr Mahama emphasised that the ECG’s challenges could be addressed by building on the reforms initiated during his tenure.

He expressed confidence in the company’s potential to thrive without resorting to further private sector involvement, provided the government commits to strengthening the existing foundation.

While acknowledging inefficiencies within ECG, Mr Mahama highlighted areas where the company had demonstrated operational efficiency.

He noted that private sector participation already exists under the loss reduction programme, particularly in metering.

“At the metering point under the loss reduction programme, ECG has transitioned from relying on large sums of money to purchase meters to a more sustainable approach,” he explained.

Elaborating on the programme, Mr Mahama revealed that during his tenure, ECG engaged private metering companies to establish local factories in Ghana.

These companies were then allocated specific localities to install meters, significantly reducing costs.

“This approach saved us more than 50% of what we would have spent on borrowing and administrative expenses,” he said, adding that it showcased how private sector involvement could be effectively managed without full privatisation.

The former ECG boss criticised the proposal to privatise the company further, questioning the benchmarks for such a decision.

He maintained that the existing framework of private sector participation already provides significant benefits and that additional privatisation could undermine the progress made.

Energy Minister-Designate John Jinapor, during his vetting on January 13, reiterated former President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to privatising power distribution in Ghana.

He argued that such a move was essential for improving efficiency in the energy sector.