Mahama Declares: ECG Will Stay Public, Not for Sale
Accra, Ghana – Former President John Dramani Mahama has firmly ruled out the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), providing clarity and reassurance to organized labour and millions of Ghanaians concerned about the future of public utilities.
Speaking at the 2025 May Day celebration held at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, the NDC flagbearer pledged that ECG will remain a publicly owned institution, despite mounting challenges in the energy sector.
“Let me assure you that it is not my intention to privatize ECG. ECG is a strategic national asset and must stay under the control of Ghanaians,” he declared, receiving a rousing applause from workers gathered at the event.
📺 Watch President Mahama’s full remarks below:
▶️ Click to watch on YouTube
💡 Why This Matters: ECG’s Strategic Role in Ghana’s Economy
The Electricity Company of Ghana is the nation’s primary distributor of electric power, playing a crucial role in industrial, commercial, and domestic life. In recent years, however, ECG has faced criticisms over service delivery, meter shortages, billing inefficiencies, and operational debts — now reportedly exceeding GH¢68 billion.
Acknowledging these issues, Mr. Mahama emphasized the need for urgent reform — but not through privatization.
“If we don’t act fast, our power sector may collapse. But the solution is not to sell ECG; the solution is better management, accountability, and innovation,” he stressed.
🤝 A Shift Toward Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Instead of handing ECG over to private entities, Mr. Mahama proposed leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bring efficiency without relinquishing ownership.
He cited a successful example from his previous administration, where Enclave Power Company was contracted to manage metering and billing in the Free Zones Enclave — achieving an impressive 99% revenue collection.
“That model worked,” he said. “We can replicate such arrangements where needed, without selling the soul of ECG.”
🗣️ Reactions from Labour and Energy Experts
✊ Organized Labour Welcomes the Assurance
Joshua Ansah, General Secretary of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), welcomed Mahama’s declaration:
“This is the clarity we needed. Ghanaian workers want ECG to be efficient, yes — but not at the cost of jobs or sovereignty.”
🔎 Analysts Say PPPs Could Be a Viable Middle Path
Energy analyst Kwame Boakye agrees with the approach:
“Privatization isn’t always the answer. Strategic partnerships that bring in private-sector expertise while maintaining public ownership might be exactly what ECG needs.”
📈 The Broader Picture: Energy Sector Reforms Without Selling Out
Ghana’s power sector continues to be a focus of national debate. With increasing electricity demand, financial mismanagement, and inefficiencies, stakeholders agree that reform is necessary. But how it’s done matters.
President Mahama’s stand aligns with the growing public sentiment that national utilities should be fixed, not sold.
🔚 Conclusion: Ghana First, Always
As the 2025 mid-year approach, Mahama’s commitment to preserving ECG as a national asset could become a defining issue in energy policy. His message to labour was simple but powerful:
“We will build a better ECG, not sell it.”
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