Tender Process Begins To Select Private Partner For ECG

Government has begun an international tender process to select a private partner to operate the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG as a concession for 25 years. 

A Communication Specialist at the Ministry of Energy, Edward Bawah speaking on Radio Ghana said the concession is to improve performance indicators as well as mobilization of private investment. 

He said the move is to lessen the burden on government and further inject efficiency into the company.

An Energy Specialist, Kwame Jantuah said the partnership will create unemployment in the country.  

According to him, the move will be a high cost to the economy. 

He therefore urged government to put in a clause to sanction the company if there is any loss.

The Campaign Coordinator of ISSODEC, Steve Manteaw also called on the Ministry to rethink through its decision to privatise ECG.

He said there is a more prudent way to solve the energy crisis but certainly not privatisation adding that the government should learn from past experiences in privatisation.

Companies are expected to submit their interests by May 3, 2016 to pave the way for the selection of a company or a consortium to manage, operate and invest in the ECG for the next 25 years.  

Meanwhile sixty-two Companies from Ghana, South Africa, the United States of America, Israel, Turkey, India, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon have expressed interest in taking over the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG. 

GBC