The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has expressed concern over a draft bill proposing the merger of major energy entities, including the Volta River Authority (VRA), Bui Power Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
The bill also aims to establish an independent Thermal Power Authority. VRA employees have strongly opposed these proposed changes, warning that the merger and potential privatization of assets could undermine the country’s energy security and increase the cost of electricity.
They argue that separating VRA’s thermal power assets would harm the organization’s financial stability and hinder electricity supply to underserved areas.
The IES echoes these concerns, warning that privatizing VRA’s thermal assets could jeopardize its financial stability.
However, the Institute also pointed to the unpaid debts from ECG and VALCO, which are already straining VRA’s liquidity.
IES urges the government to engage with all stakeholders, address the outstanding debt issues, and reconsider the creation of a separate Thermal Power Authority to safeguard Ghana’s energy security and affordability.
Read Statement Below:
