Energy Minister Warns Ghana Water Company Over Unpaid Electricity Bills
Ghana’s long-standing issue of unpaid utility bills by state institutions has once again come under scrutiny, with Energy Minister John Jinapor issuing a stern warning to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) over its outstanding electricity debt. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) could soon be forced to cut power supply to the water utility provider if urgent steps are not taken to clear the arrears.
Speaking on the issue Energy Minister John Jinapor expressed deep frustration revealing that the Ghana Water Company has failed to make any payment towards its electricity debt.
Ghana Water has not paid even one cedi and I’ve written to the President, Jinapor stated, emphasizing his displeasure over the company’s failure to settle its bills.
His remarks reflect the growing tension between state agencies, as the government pushes for strict compliance with utility payments across all sectors.
The Minister stressed the importance of fairness and accountability, pointing out that while ordinary Ghanaians are required to pay their electricity bills promptly state institutions must not be exempt from fulfilling their obligations.
Allowing GWCL’s debt to persist would be unfair to the ordinary citizens who consistently pay their electricity bills, he said.
Although the exact amount owed by the Ghana Water Company Limited remains undisclosed, Jinapor’s firm stance suggests that the government will not hesitate to take drastic action if the situation remains unresolved.
If ECG follows through with its threat to disconnect power to GWCL, it could disrupt water supply across the country, affecting households, businesses, hospitals, and other essential services.
This standoff between state agencies highlights a broader issue of financial mismanagement within public institutions. The government’s response to this crisis could set a precedent for how it addresses financial negligence among state entities going forward.
As the Energy Minister pushes for accountability, all eyes are on GWCL to see whether it will heed the warning or face the serious consequences of power disconnection. With Ghana already grappling with utility challenges, the resolution of this issue remains critical for the stability of essential services in the country.