Presidency, MOH, other ministries exempted from paying electricity bills

The Government has approved an exemption for electricity bills. This decision affects selected strategic institutions. It follows a Cabinet meeting led by President John Dramani Mahama.

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor announced the decision. The goal is to ensure essential services continue without interruption. Key sectors include security, health, and education.

This policy aims to improve accountability in energy use. It also seeks to strengthen critical government institutions' operations. The Ministry of Finance will cover these electricity costs through its budget.

The exemption applies to several ministries. These include the Office of the President, Defence, Interior, Health, and Education. Only core operational units are included; auxiliary facilities are not.

In education, exemptions cover classrooms and laboratories but not dormitories or dining halls. In health, hospitals and medical labs are included; staff residences are excluded. For Defence, only critical installations like military intelligence qualify.

Under the Interior Ministry, police and emergency response units are covered too. Other facilities do not receive exemptions.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and NEDCo must increase revenue collection efforts from non-exempt entities. They can disconnect power for unpaid bills.

Jinapor emphasized that this measure shows the government's commitment to financial discipline in energy management. He stated it ensures stable power supply for all Ghanaians while maintaining vital services in security, health, and education.

Ghana has also shut down its Embassy in Washington D.C. due to a corruption scandal.