Source: Myjoyonline
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Ghana underscores the critical need for expert management within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to confront the inefficiencies plaguing the company's operations. Despite advocating for ECG to remain state-owned, the IEA emphasizes the importance of appointing managers based solely on competence, devoid of any political party affiliations. This call for competency-driven leadership extends to both local and international candidates, emphasizing the necessity of drawing talent from diverse backgrounds to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Ghana's electricity sector.
Addressing the perennial issue of power outages, the IEA advocates for a holistic approach that encompasses various measures, including dealing with legacy debt, reducing distribution losses, improving bill collections, combating illegal connections, and transitioning to legitimate cost-recovery tariffs. Dr. John K. Kwakye, Director of Research at IEA Ghana, stresses the significance of these strategies in curbing power outages and ensuring a reliable electricity supply for Ghanaian citizens.
Reflecting on President Akufo-Addo's recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the IEA acknowledges the government's efforts in stabilizing the power sector over the past seven years. However, it also highlights the budgetary implications of achieving this stability, citing previous contractual agreements that have contributed to the financial burden. While progress has been made in maintaining a steady power supply, Dr. Kwakye underscores the need for sustained investments and prudent management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond the energy sector, the IEA identifies areas of concern that were not adequately addressed in the SONA, notably corruption and illegal mining, known as "Galamsey." Dr. Kwakye laments the lack of significant progress in combating corruption over the past three decades, emphasizing the need for robust anti-corruption measures. He proposes strengthening the Office of the Special Prosecutor and insulating it from executive influence to enhance its effectiveness in prosecuting corruption cases.
Regarding illegal mining, the IEA acknowledges the government's efforts but notes limited success in combating the menace. Dr. Kwakye attributes this to entrenched vested interests and emphasizes the importance of regulatory enforcement, community engagement, and stringent sanctions to address the issue effectively. Failure to curb illegal mining could have severe consequences, underscoring the urgency of concerted action.
In addition to these pressing issues, the IEA's reflections on the SONA encompass a wide range of topics, including peace and security, infrastructure projects, taxation, debt management, the macroeconomy, social protection initiatives, and key government programs such as Free Senior High School and Planting for Food and Jobs. These diverse areas underscore the complexity of Ghana's socio-economic landscape and the need for comprehensive policy interventions to drive sustainable development and improve the welfare of its citizens.
In conclusion, the IEA's analysis underscores the importance of competent management in addressing the challenges facing Ghana's electricity sector and broader socio-economic issues. By prioritizing merit-based appointments, strengthening anti-corruption measures, and adopting a multifaceted approach to governance, Ghana can overcome its challenges and chart a path towards inclusive growth and prosperity.
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