Gov't inaugurates steering committee to boost private participation in power distribution

The Government has launched an eight-member Private Sector Participation (PSP) Steering Committee. This committee will oversee the reintroduced Multiple Lease Model (MLM) for electricity distribution in Ghana.

The MLM approach divides electricity distribution into regional units. Various private operators will manage these units. The goal is to attract credible investors, improve efficiency, and reduce losses. It also aims to enhance customer satisfaction across the country.

John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, will chair the committee. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, will serve as co-chair. Other members include Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, and Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

Additional members are Mr. Julius Kpekpena from ECG and Mr. John Okine Yamoah from NEDCo. Madam Baba Akon will act as Secretary to the Committee.

During the inauguration in Accra, Jinapor emphasized that MLM is key to energy sector recovery. He stated that the Steering Committee would guide PSP rollout and gather baseline data.

The committee will audit the PSP deal and coordinate with ECG and NEDCo. They will also monitor progress on critical milestones.

Jinapor mentioned that they would review transaction documents and procurement frameworks. The PSP Implementation Unit within the Ministry of Energy will support the committee's work.

He urged the committee to complete advisor procurement by May 31, 2025. This step is crucial for starting detailed implementation.

By September 2025, they plan to issue competitive bidding documents for private concessionaires. Three sub-committees have been formed: Technical, Governance & Regulatory, and Stakeholder Management.

Mr. Jabesh Amissah-Arthur leads the Technical Sub-Committee. He expressed gratitude for his role and called for public support during this process.

He acknowledged that challenges lie ahead but expressed confidence in achieving their goals for power distribution reform.