The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) says even though it was expecting a private sector participant in the energy sector under the Power Compact deal, the decision by the government of Ghana to however cancel the Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal is welcomed.

As part of the deal, the government of Ghana was required to allow private participation to enhance efficiency.

Speaking a short ceremony after the 5-year compact deal end, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the MCC, Mahmoud Bah said his outfit respects the government of Ghana’s decision to cancel the PDS deal with the Electricity Company of Ghana.

“We fully agree that private sector PSP in the ECG is required in order for us to have a sustainable solution. You cannot continue to do things the way you do it. But we respect the decision of the government”

He stated that the government of Ghana committed to provide the funds expected from the private sector.

Touching on the successes of the deal, Mr. Bah said with the construction of two BSPs (the two largest of the country), two primary substations and other IT investments, the MCC-Ghana Power Compact has increased the transmission network capacity by 1,015 MVA representing roughly 10% of Ghana’s total transmission capacity and has successfully enhanced the country’s power sector.

He added that the new power substations directly serve the 37 Military Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the University of Ghana Medical Center, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the National Mosque, and over 800,000 utility customers.

“This is great work! Further, the MCC-Ghana Power Compact established the Air Conditioner and Refrigerator Test Laboratory, the first of its kind in West Africa, to promote renewable energy sources and curtail the country’s use of low-quality, less energy-efficient equipment and appliances”.

He is hopeful the move will lower carbon emissions and advance Ghana’s mutual climate goals.

“The Compact activities also installed more than 14,000 new, energy efficient LED streetlights and new metered energy management systems, replacing old, inefficient lighting and setting a new standard for energy savings”.