Ghana’s government should pause plans to privatise aspects of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and instead pursue a short-term reset focused on transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven governance, according to Franklin Cudjoe, founding president of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education.
In a commentary on the energy sector, Cudjoe expressed concern over what he described as the “forlorn tone” of Energy Minister John Jinapor when discussing sector challenges, suggesting the minister had ample time in opposition to anticipate the debt issues and design solutions.
“True, the previous damaging directors left humongous debts, but I assume he knew all of these and must have had a good practical plan while in opposition,” Cudjoe said. “Power is everything, the lifeblood of any economy, even more so, a 24-hour economy.”
Cudjoe said he had revised his stance on private sector participation in ECG, advocating instead for a trial reform model over 18 months under a program developed by IMANI called RESET; “Revitalising the Economy through Stewardship & Ethical Transformation”
As part of the proposal, IMANI’s president outlined key actions:
1.The Energy Ministry leadership should commit to co-creating a clear vision for reliable, cost-efficient power with all sector stakeholders.
2.The ministry must adopt “radical transparency” and release open data on sector operations.
3.Bi-weekly hybrid townhalls should be held to openly discuss procurement, performance, operations, and monitoring processes.
4.Citizens should be allowed to digitally register and join the stakeholder group guiding the vision.
5.Monthly polls would capture feedback from those who participate in townhalls, creating a dynamic channel for citizen input.
“At the six-month mark, they will be celebrated for the progress made and given feedback to improve,” Cudjoe said.
He added that while RESET would not replace formal audits and public financial management systems, it is intended to “invigorate them, bring the essence in them to the fore and make them more meaningful to citizens.”
Ghana’s power sector has long grappled with inefficiencies, legacy debt, and operational challenges. Calls for private participation have been met with both support and skepticism, especially after past efforts faced political and public resistance.
Cudjoe’s comments add to growing debate over how best to ensure energy security and financial sustainability in a sector seen as critical to Ghana’s economic future.
