Energy Ministry requests Parliament to halt ECG-NEDCo merger discussions

The Ministry of Energy has requested that Parliament suspend further discussions on the Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill, which seeks to merge the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and establish a new independent Thermal Power Authority by restructuring the thermal plants of the Volta River Authority (VRA). The bill is part of a larger set of proposals under the 2024 Energy Bill, which includes various legislative initiatives aimed at restructuring the energy sector.

In a statement signed by the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapah, the Ministry called for a pause in consideration of the bill to allow for more consultations with stakeholders. This move follows significant opposition from key groups, notably the senior staff at the VRA, who have expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of the proposed merger.

The VRA’s senior staff have been vocal in their opposition, warning that the merger could jeopardize the authority’s operational efficiency and stability. They argue that such changes would hinder the VRA’s ability to manage its resources and deliver reliable energy services. The staff have even staged demonstrations to emphasize their discontent with the draft bill, further complicating the situation surrounding the proposed reforms.