Ghana Energy Ministry proposes private sector role in ECG distribution

The Ghana Energy Ministry has announced plans to introduce private sector participation into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) distribution network. Speaking at the Energy Sustainability Leadership Conference on August 27, 2026, Dr. Yussiq Sulemana, the Acting Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, stated on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition that this move is intended to ‘complement’ the state utility rather than replace it.

According to the ministry, the involvement of private firms aims to add capacity, technical expertise, and capital to the existing system. The primary objectives include improving electricity delivery, strengthening revenue and bill collection, and easing long-standing cash-flow pressures within the energy sector. Dr. Sulemana emphasized that the proposal is not a verdict on ECG’s performance, describing the utility’s current work as ‘excellent’.

While specific timelines and ownership structures have not yet been disclosed, the government intends for private investment to help address the issue of unpaid electricity bills and attract further investment to the distribution network. Additionally, Dr. Sulemana noted that the government has secured a partial World Bank guarantee of approximately $500 million to support Ghana’s gas sector.