The Power ministry has urged the Electricity Company of Ghana to exempt critical public institutions such as health and educational facilities from their ongoing disconnection exercise.
The ECG is on a nationwide disconnection exercise to retrieve outstanding debts from its customers. So far, many hospitals and tertiary institutions have been affected by the all-out exercise.
On Tuesday, the revamped Ayensu Starch factory was disconnected over unpaid debt. Similarly, the newly commissioned Cape Coast Stadium has been cut off the national grid.
In a statement on the exercise, the ministry said although the move is commendable, caution must be exercised with regards to sensitive institutions.
“Whilst we commend ECG in that regard, we wish to bring to your attention, Government’s decision to temporarily exclude certain critical categories from pre-payment metering and the mass disconnection exercise. These include critical installations in the health, security and educational institutions,” the statement said.
Below are details of the statement
The Ministry of Power wishes to commend efforts currently being made by the Electricity Company of Ghana to collect outstanding bills owed it by various categories of customers complemented by the Revenue Task Force. We have also noted the ongoing disconnection exercise being carried out by ECG to retrieve outstanding bills owed by customers.
Whilst we commend ECG in that regard, we wish to bring to your attention, Government’s decision to temporarily exclude certain critical categories from pre-payment metering and the mass disconnection exercise. These include critical installations in the health, security and educational institutions.
The Ministry of Finance would continue to take steps to address the payment of arrears for such categories of institutions. We should, therefore, be grateful if you could act in line with the foregoing.
By: Dan Kwasi Prince// www.dailyviewgh.com
Writer’s email dailyviewgh@gmail.com
