We are not selling ECG - Energy Minister
During a working visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) Station in Tema on February 21, Mr Jinapor told the media such claims in the news were completely false.
He said that the government is, instead seeking private-sector involvement to boost efficiency and financial sustainability.
“The news items, the publication and the commentary by some people who should know better that we are selling ECG. It’s not true; it will not be sold, but we want some private sector participation to bring about a high level of efficiency, reduce the losses, and increase the revenue base so that we can pay for some of these bills we are talking about,” the Energy Minister stated.
The Energy Minister also lamented the difficulties plaguing Ghana’s energy sector, citing the burden the government inherited.
He said that resources meant for development projects are being redirected to settle debts owed to energy suppliers, such as WAPCo.
“The Minister of Finance under normal circumstances should not be taking the taxpayers’ money which could have been used for other development projects to pay WAPCo. But today we have to squeeze and take money from the budget to pay N-Gas for this $75 million. That could have been used for other developmental projects such as roads, hospitals and other infrastructure projects,” he added.
Comprising energy experts and key industry players, the committee is tasked with developing strategies to transition ECG to private sector management.
