Presidency, certain ministries exempted from paying electricity bills

Ghana Presidency and Certain 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.

The exemption includes the Office of the President and several ministries. These are the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education.

Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor stated this move aims to ensure essential services run smoothly. Key sectors affected include security, health, and education.

The Ministry of Finance will cover electricity costs through its budget allocations. The exemptions apply only to core operational units. Auxiliary and non-essential facilities are not included.

In education, the exemption covers classrooms, universities, labs, lecture halls, and research facilities. However, it does not include dormitories or dining halls.

In healthcare, hospitals, operating theatres, blood banks, medical labs, and wards are covered. Staff residences and leisure facilities are excluded from this exemption.

For the Defence Sector, only critical installations receive coverage. This includes military intelligence and emergency systems; non-emergency sites do not qualify.

Under the Interior Ministry's exemption, police and emergency response units are included. Other facilities remain outside this exemption.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) must enhance revenue collection efforts. They will focus on institutions not covered by this exemption.