Ghana’s state-owned electricity distributor, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has initiated power cuts to several state institutions due to unpaid bills totalling tens of millions of dollars.
The ECG stated that its payment requests have been ignored.
On Tuesday, ECG disconnected power to Ghana Water Limited’s Weija treatment plant in Accra over an outstanding bill of $97 million.
Subsequently, it targeted the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for $305,000 in arrears after the media firm failed to adhere to a payment plan.
Ishmael Tetteh Oku, ECG’s acting general manager of operations, told AFP, “This is not a step we take lightly, but we have given them enough notice. These are long-standing arrears.”
He emphasised that ECG cannot continue providing free power amidst its financial difficulties, despite recognising the public importance of these utilities.
The ECG issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the waterworks to settle its bill or face a prolonged supply cut to its main pumping stations, which are crucial for Ghana’s water distribution.
Previous disruptions to the Weija plant, responsible for supplying approximately 80 per cent of the capital and surrounding areas, have led to widespread water shortages affecting over 30 communities in western Accra.
Local businesses and informal traders who depend on running water, such as small restaurants and carwash facilities, face potential income losses.
ECG executives informed local media that their intensified collections campaign aims to curb their growing financial losses, even if it means disrupting essential services.
