Vetting: I pray you don’t bow to forces of darkness on ECG privatisation – Afenyo-Markin encourages Gyan Mensah

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Deputy Minister-Designate for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, to remain steadfast against opposition to the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), emphasizing that only decisive leadership can bring meaningful reforms to the sector.

Speaking during Gyan-Mensah’s vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Afenyo-Markin cautioned that previous efforts to privatise ECG had been undermined by political interference and entrenched interests, hindering the much-needed transformation of the power sector.

“…I pray that this privatisation that the previous administration had initiated which someway, somehow became political and the previous administration had abandoned, in your time when the same forces of darkness in the sector are frustrating you, you will be bold to implement the privatisation there,” he urged.

The Minority Leader reiterated his strong support for privatisation as a solution to ECG’s operational inefficiencies and financial burdens on the state.

“I support privatisation because I believe it will bring efficiency. I hope you will be bold enough to take that step,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin also pointed out the recurring political pattern where state institutions, particularly in the energy sector, are used as campaign tools but remain largely unchanged once new administrations take office.

He urged the nominee to collaborate closely with the Energy Minister to drive essential reforms, warning that failure to act decisively could jeopardize the country’s economic stability.

“There is a serious drain on us as a country. If we don't stand firm as leaders, the system will crush on us,” he cautioned.

The debate over ECG’s privatisation remains a contentious issue in Ghana’s energy sector. While advocates argue that it will enhance efficiency and reduce financial losses, critics fear it could result in job losses and higher electricity tariffs for consumers.

-ModernGhana