Concerned citizens and the Central Regional employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have called for Mass demonstration against the intended concession of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited.
Spokesperson of the group Mr. Seth Birikorang noted that, the concession which is to last for 25 years would definitely defeat the good intentions and the purpose of the government's vision of the 'One-District One-Factory' Agenda.
Mr. Birikorang indicated that, "In response to a question as to whether if given the nod he ( then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo) would continue with the concession idea, then candidate Nana Akufo- Addo's response was negative and now that the nod is giving it looks like the NPP government is torn between two pieces and finds it difficult to take a firm decision."
He further explained, Article 7.1 of the compact, MIDA would not submit to the laws of Ghana that is, the said compact override all the laws of Ghana and this implies that the PURC being the Ghanaian agency cannot influence tariff determination.
"These would not only bring untold hardship on Ghanaians but, as well defeat the vision of the government's 'One-District One-Factory'," Mr. Birikorang added.
According to him, a major condition precedent for accessing this grants is the private sector participation.
He stated that, the colossal sum of US$498.2 million can be raised by indigenous Ghanaian businessmen and women so that Ghanaians can manage the Energy Distribution.
Mr. Birikorang appealed to the government that as an alternative arrangement, Electricity Company of Ghana can be listed on the Ghana stock market and that can raise more money than what MIDA is giving.
He mentioned that by implementing the concession idea, Ghana would be worse off since a foreign entity's policy will override the Ghanaian laws and that is not impressive enough.
The group also called on the government to expedite the dialogue with stakeholders as promised, with the view to imbibing useful suggestions in order to take firm decision that will inure to the benefit of the country.
The concerned citizens further called on Ghanaians to embark on series of demonstrations across the length and breath of Ghana until the government cancels the concession.
Source: Sally Ngissah
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I have a Shop with a new meter but haven't started operation at all, yet my first bill was GhS 1,300 ( One thousand three hundred Ghana Cedis) Then the following month bill was GhS 110 ( One hundred and ten Ghana Cedis) I am now scared to start the business. Wonder in Ghana shall never end.
For years people use the service for free and what does the PURC and Electricity do about it. In Dansoman Estate, Chokor and Mamprobi, there are illegal connections, people who have used it for more than 5 years without meters and others who connected Air conditioners and use it day and night at will without any provocation from ECG staff. Does it mean the faithful payer is a ***barred word***. If privatization will check all illegal connections, then so be it.
It is time for a change. For years you guys have had the opportunity to manage the nations power distribution system. The mediocre attitude you give to your work is enough. 25 years of privatization is even to short. I think it should remain that way for life. We want efficiency and those at PURC should also get ready to be replaced. The mediocrity is enough.
NDC VEHEMENTLY RESISTED CHANGED BUT IT EVENTUALLY HAPPENED, ECG IS STOUTLY REFUSING CHANGED BUT THEY SHOULD KNOW THAT "NOTHING IS STRONGER THAN AN IDEA WHICH TIME HAS COME". THEREFORE CHANGE WILL SURELY COME.
CONCERNED whaaat? . Because you are going to loose your monopoly and 'cheating' of Ghanaians you are shouting. What have you and PURC done for Ghana all these year but just to exploit us to 'line' your pockets. You have 'pay' to be surveyed. Pay extra to even get the 'husain boat'meter. When your 'pole meters' even catch fire and you are called, nobody responds till everything burns out.Perhaps this 'concession' will make you sit up like former Ghana Telecom. You ,like JDM are only interested in '***barred word***' Ghana. You kept mute for JDM and co. to sell 'everything'before opening your 'beak'. You think we have forgotten what the then US Ambassador said about NPPs complaint about the deal. He said " it was too late to do anything about it"
PLEASE ECG, IF YOU HAVE CONDUCTED YOUR BUSINESS WELL ENOUGH THEN THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING.... IF THAT IS THE WAY TO GO IN THE COMMON INTEREST OF THE GHANA THEN SO BE IT!