A Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has called for urgent reforms and the appointment of selfless leaders to manage the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Speaking to Alfred Ocansey on TV3’s the Keypoints on Saturday, January 11, 2024, on the ongoing inefficiencies in the power distribution sector, Mr. Kpebu emphasized the need for independent and transparent leadership to resolve the persistent challenges.
He expressed concerns over how contracts, such as the controversial HUBTEL contract, were awarded, suggesting they were driven by profit motives rather than genuine efforts to improve the sector.
“We’ve had situations where decisions were made, not for the benefit of the people, but to enrich a few. These contracts have led to inefficiencies and left the industry worse off,” he stated.
Mr. Kpebu proposed that the process for appointing the management of ECG should be opened up to ensure the selection of capable, selfless, and honest leaders.
“We need an independent process for appointing the ECG’s leadership. Let’s select the most competent and honest Ghanaian, someone who can run it without favoring family, friends, or private interests. That’s the only way forward,” he added.
Touching on privatization, Mr. Kpebu cautioned against rushing into privatizing ECG without thorough conversations and proper evaluation of alternatives.
“While many argue for privatization, we must carefully weigh its implications. The issue isn’t just about who manages ECG, but whether they are driven by selflessness and the public good,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to continue discussions on reforms, emphasizing that such conversations could lead to change over time.
“Let’s keep talking. These conversations may not yield immediate results, but eight years down the line, we could achieve the changes we want if we persist,” he concluded.
Mr. Kpebu’s remarks highlight the need for bold reforms, transparent leadership, and a commitment to public interest to revamp ECG and ensure efficient power distribution in Ghana.
