Food and Beverage Association Demands Major Energy Reforms, Gives President Mahama 30-Day Ultimatum
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama to initiate a presidential compact aimed at reforming the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
According to the group, ECG is holding the nation “to ransom,” and comprehensive reforms within the power sector must be treated as a top priority of the Mahama administration.
Chairman of the Association, Rev. John Awuni, stated that the greatest legacy the government could leave behind would be to permanently fix the challenges facing ECG and the Ghana Water Company.
He emphasised that the high cost of electricity amounts to “energy theft,” and reforming the sector is essential to protecting both households and businesses.
Rev. Awuni further argued that power is the foundation of production costs, noting that without affordable electricity and water, the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative would struggle to succeed. He questioned why ECG, the sole distributor of electricity in the country, continues to record losses while Ghanaians are made to pay higher tariffs.
President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr Joseph Obeng, also urged ECG to shelve any plans of increasing tariffs. He stressed that sustainable private sector growth cannot be achieved without major restructuring of ECG and the Ghana Water Company, adding that Ghana deserves a utility sector that drives development rather than burdening its citizens, compared to other countries in the sub-region.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Bernard K Dadzie
