Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has issued a firm warning to institutions failing to settle their electricity bills with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), stating that disconnections will be enforced if payments are not made promptly.
During a recent interview, Jinapor singled out the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), highlighting that the utility company has not made any payments toward its electricity consumption. “Ghana Water has not paid even a single cedi, and I’ve already written to the President about this issue,” Jinapor disclosed, adding that the situation needs urgent attention.
The Minister also took aim at Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for their failure to fulfill their financial obligations, noting that while ordinary citizens are paying their electricity bills, these institutions are neglecting their responsibilities. “Many MMDAs are not paying, yet the average Ghanaian is meeting their obligations. These entities must also pay,” he emphasized.
Jinapor made it clear that continued non-payment by institutions like Ghana Water will lead to serious consequences, including disconnection. “If Ghana Water continues to collect money for water services and fails to settle their electricity bills, we’ll have no choice but to disconnect them,” he warned.
In addition to the disconnection threat, the Minister suggested that the Ghana Water Company’s procurement processes need to be reviewed to ensure better cost management. He stressed the importance of fairness and transparency in handling public institutions’ financial obligations.
He also stated that from now on, institutions such as Parliament, GBC, and Ghana Water will no longer be allowed to delay payments without consequence. They will be required to agree on a payment plan if they fail to meet their obligations.
“We will ensure that everyone, including public institutions, meets their obligations. There will be no more special treatment,” Jinapor asserted.
The Minister’s strong statements emphasize the government’s commitment to enforcing payment discipline and addressing the growing challenge of institutional debt to ECG. As the government works to recover these debts, institutions that fail to comply will face stringent actions.
