Unveiling Systemic Failures in the Electricity Company of Ghana: A Call for Accountability

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a critical institution in Ghana's energy infrastructure, stands at the center of alarming allegations of mismanagement, financial irregularities, and operational inefficiencies. From missing containers to fragmented financial accounts exceeding 80 in number, ECG's failures threaten national progress and erode public trust. This exposé examines the leadership roles of Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and Habib Iddrisu, connecting their tenure on the ECG board to the broader issues at hand, and culminates in a rallying call for immediate presidential and ministerial intervention.

Leadership and Oversight: Profiles in Question

The ECG's board has featured key figures whose leadership was expected to drive transformation:

Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Chairman of the ECG Board as of 2024, Afenyo-Markin brought legal expertise and governance experience from roles including his chairmanship at the Ghana Water Company Ltd. His tenure was marked by advocacy for merit-based reforms, yet systemic inefficiencies persisted under his watch.

Frank Annoh-Dompreh
Serving briefly on the ECG board, Annoh-Dompreh transitioned to chair the Ghana Road Fund. An experienced legislator with a focus on development and inclusivity, his impact on addressing ECG's challenges during his tenure remains unclear.

Habib Iddrisu
A representative of the Northern Region, Habib Iddrisu joined the ECG Board with hopes of fostering sustainable policies and streamlining operations. However, his contributions appear overshadowed by allegations of mismanagement at ECG.

Despite the potential strengths of these leaders, ECG's continued operational losses, financial fragmentation, and resource mismanagement expose glaring gaps in oversight and accountability.

Financial Mismanagement and Missing Resources

ECG's financial irregularities, epitomized by the existence of over 80 bank accounts, underscore an alarming absence of fiscal discipline. Such decentralization obstructs transparency, complicates auditing processes, and heightens risks of misappropriation. Simultaneously, missing containers—intended for critical projects—raise questions about procurement practices and resource handling, reflecting a culture of inefficiency and negligence.

Operational Inefficiencies and Public Impact

The consequences of ECG’s failures ripple across the nation, manifesting as frequent power outages, customer dissatisfaction, and disrupted economic activities. Mismanagement at ECG represents a betrayal of public trust, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform.

Tariff Burden on Consumers
Adding to the woes of Ghanaian electricity consumers, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) recently approved tariff increases to offset ECG’s operational losses. This decision, while intended to stabilize the company’s finances, places an undue burden on households and businesses—an avoidable outcome had ECG been effectively managed. Transmission losses, coupled with inefficiencies in power distribution, further exacerbate the company’s financial crisis, highlighting the urgent need for transparent operations and strategic reforms.

Call for National Intervention
In light of the gravity of these allegations, this article calls upon H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Honorable Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, to launch an immediate investigation into the management of ECG. Furthermore, we urge the prosecution of any officials found complicit in malfeasance, ensuring justice is served and public trust restored.

Conclusion
The Electricity Company of Ghana’s mismanagement is symptomatic of deeper systemic flaws in public institutions. By holding leadership accountable and implementing robust governance reforms, Ghana can reclaim its vision of a transparent, efficient energy sector. This article not only exposes the gravity of ECG’s challenges but also serves as a rallying cry for transformative action by the nation’s highest authorities.

Additionally, this is a call to all ECG consumers—commercial, industrial, and domestic—to remain vigilant and report illegal connections that undermine the system. Consumers play a critical role in supporting accountability and can help demand better service delivery by joining this movement for change. To enhance engagement, we propose that ECG establish a dedicated hotline and email for complaints, reports, and suggestions, creating a direct line for stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to systemic improvement.

Furthermore, we urge the Honorable Minister of Energy Abu Jinapor to remain steadfast in his supervisory role, ensuring that ECG is reset to fulfill its mandate effectively. By fine-tuning the company’s operations and holding its leadership accountable, the Minister can pave the way for improved service delivery that aligns with Ghana’s development goals. With collective effort—from consumers to the highest authorities—Ghana’s energy sector can rise to meet the needs and expectations of its people!

Retired Senior Citizen
Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]