Presidency and key ministries exempted from electricity bill payments

The government has approved a new policy. This policy exempts certain strategic institutions from paying electricity bills. The decision came after a cabinet meeting led by President John Dramani Mahama.

The initiative aims to ensure essential national services run smoothly. It focuses on the security, health, and education sectors.

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor announced the decision. He stated that the policy promotes accountability in energy use. It also protects critical government institutions' operations.

The Ministry of Finance will cover electricity costs for these institutions. This will be done through their approved budgets.

The exemption applies to several key offices. These include the Office of the President and the Ministries of Defence, Interior, Health, and Education.

Mr. Jinapor clarified that only core operational units qualify for this exemption. Auxiliary and non-essential facilities are not included.

In education, covered areas are classrooms, universities, laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities. Dormitories and recreational spaces are excluded from this exemption.

For health services, hospitals, theatres, blood banks, laboratories, and wards are included. However, staff residences do not qualify for the exemption.

In defence, only military intelligence installations and emergency systems benefit from this policy. For the interior ministry, it covers police and emergency response units only.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) must increase revenue collection from non-exempt institutions. They can disconnect electricity for any entity with unpaid bills.

Mr. Jinapor emphasized that this measure shows commitment to financial discipline in energy use. It also aims to ensure stable power supply for all Ghanaians.