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Energy Minister-designate Orders ECG to Halt Payments for Supplies

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Jinapor: energy minister designate

The Energy Minister-Designate, John Jinapor, has instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to immediately stop supply payments. This directive aims to address inefficiencies and stabilize ECG’s operations to improve financial and operational performance.

Speaking to Citi FM on January 9, 2025, Jinapor expressed concerns over ECG’s substantial revenue losses.

He identified operational inefficiencies, including over 70 separate accounts, as a key challenge to effective monitoring and control.

“The core issue lies in inefficiencies. ECG loses more than 40% of the power it generates, which is unsustainable. Comparatively, other countries have power losses as low as 2-4%. When ECG sells $100 worth of power, only 60% is recovered, and even then, deductions for contracts, IT services, and other provisions further erode revenues,” Jinapor explained.

Jinapor warned ECG staff, especially those in finance, against ignoring the directive, promising severe penalties for non-compliance.

“This is an instruction from the Chief of Staff. Payments for supplies must cease immediately. I want to be very clear—failure to adhere to this directive will attract serious repercussions,” he stated firmly.

Ghana Seeks Renegotiation with US for $190M Electricity Deal

By
Ivy Hollys
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electricity

Ghana is ready to renegotiate with the United States (US) government for possible reinstatement of $190 million under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), that had been devoted to the electricity sector.

President John Dramani Mahama disclosed this during a courtesy call on him by Mr. Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, in Accra.

Mr. Diagana was in Accra to witness the inauguration of President Mahama at Independence Square, which took place on January 7.

Mr. Mahama reiterated that there was a need for his administration to change the systems in the energy sector to make sure that they pay down the debts and make it more efficient than it is currently.

He recalled that during his tenure as Vice President under the late President Professor John Evans Atta Mills, he on behalf of the President, signed the MCC, which was meant to improve and make Ghana the most efficient producer of electricity in Africa and become a major hub for electricity exports.

“Unfortunately, democracy has its dividends, but it also sometimes can be a curse. We left the government and a new government took over and took over the Millennium Challenge Compact. Next up, the last segment of it, which was providing efficiency in distribution, billing, metering, and all that,” he stated.

“And of course, PDS is history now. But we want to look at that again because if we do not fix the Electricity Company of Ghana, we will continue to have a major problem with our whole power value chain.

“And so, going ahead with privatizing the last point of distribution of electricity to bring in private sector efficiency is something that we want to take up again.”

“I spoke to the Americans and met the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and we asked if they could reinstate the $190 million that they had devoted to that aspect of it. And they said the door is not closed,” the president said.

“And so, we need to pursue that discussion. Or, if we don’t have access to the $190 million if the World Bank can support us to be able to finish that aspect of it, we can reduce the losses where it has to do with the independent power producers (IPPs).”

He said in the meantime, they would restore some transparency in the system and restore the cash waterfall mechanism to stabilize the situation until they were able to carry out all the reforms in that sector.

Source: Citinewsroom

Dumsor Whispers: President Mahama Re-assures an End to Energy Crisis

By
Ivy Hollys
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dumsor

President John Dramani Mahama has reassured Ghanaians of his government’s dedication to resolving the nation’s energy challenges.

He said this while speaking at the National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana on January 9. While he acknowledged the current energy crisis, he assured citizens that his administration is taking decisive action to address these pressing issues.

He said his government came during a challenging time, but he believes that is why they were elected. He promised transparency about the difficulties Ghana faces and vowed to take full responsibility for resolving them.

“We are assuming office at a critical time in our nation’s history. Ghana is faced with significant challenges. But that is exactly the reason why you elected us. We will transparently let you understand what those challenges are, and we will take responsibility for solving them,” he stated.

The President highlighted the risk of power outages due to limited fuel supplies (dumsor). “There is a threat of power outages, but my brothers and sisters, don’t despair. You elected us to solve the problems, not to put the blame on anybody else,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the innovative ideas presented by the team he convened and pledged to ensure consistent energy availability.

“I can assure you of some of the ideas they have come up with. We will make sure that your lights stay on and that we do not have dumsor,” he stated.

The President further called for urgent and collaborative efforts to tackle the energy crisis. 

Read also: GRIDCo: Gov’t Needs Nearly $90m to Avert Power Crisis

School Feeding Programme Suppliers Worried About Contracts – Kofi Asare

By
Ivy Hollys
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school feeding

The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has attributed the food shortages in second-cycle schools to suppliers’ fears about losing their contracts under the new government.

Mr. Asare noted that the school feeding program faces a liquidity issue. He said, “The issue with school feeding is a liquidity challenge. However, within the context of this challenge, the immediate problem is the reluctance of suppliers who are unsure about the future of their contracts.”  

Mr. Asare explained that suppliers are hesitant to deliver food due to doubts about the future of their contracts. He further suggested that a clear statement from the government could address these concerns and restore confidence among suppliers.

He explained, “A statement from the new government affirming that the contracts are not automatically terminated, and that suppliers will be paid, would provide some degree of comfort to those in the food supply chain. This reassurance could reverse the current situation.” 

This reassurance, Asare believes, could resolve the food shortages and ensure students receive adequate meals.

Source: Joynewsonline

Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister Designate in Focus

By
Ivy Hollys
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Cassiel Ato Forson
Cassiel Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is a respected economist and chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Dr. Forson has been nominated as the finance minister for the ninth parliament. 

Some things to know about Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson:

  • Dr. Forson’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Accounting from London South Bank University, an MSc in Taxation from the University of Oxford, and another in Economics from KNUST.
  • Dr. Forson recently earned a Ph.D. in Finance from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
  • Professionally, Forson served as Deputy Finance Minister from April 2013 to January 2017. 
  • He played a crucial role on Ghana’s Economic Management Team and the boards of the Bank of Ghana and Cocoa Board.
  • He chaired the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) reforms committee, driving public financial management improvements.
  • Since 2009, Forson has represented the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency as an MP under the National Democratic Congress (NDC).


Forson has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, job creation, and poverty alleviation to benefit Ghanaians. He remains a vocal advocate for transparency and good governance.

Read also: Meet John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy Designate

Meet John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy Designate

By
Ivy Hollys
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John Jinapor: energy minister designate

John Abdulai Jinapor is a prominent Ghanaian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency since 2017. He has been nominated as the Minister for Energy of the ninth parliament. 

Mr. Jinapor, born on June 8, 1979, brings extensive expertise and technical insight to Ghana’s energy sector.

Here are some things to know about Mr. Jinapor:

  • Mr. Jinapor was  born on June 8, 1979 and  holds an M.A. in Economic Policy Management and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Ghana.
  • He also earned an M.Sc. in Energy Economics from GIMPA and a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.
  • Under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jinapor has represented the Yapei Kusawgu Constituency in Parliament since January 7, 2017. 
  • Before serving as MP, he was Deputy Minister of Power during President John Mahama’s administration. In that role, he worked to stabilize Ghana’s energy supply and enhance energy infrastructure.
  • As an MP, Jinapor has been active on parliamentary committees focusing on energy, finance, and national development. He is known to consistently advocate for reliable energy solutions and fair development in rural communities.

Jinapor’s appointment reflects a strategic push by President Mahama to tackle Ghana’s energy challenges with innovation and expertise.

Read also: Meet Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Justice Minister Designate

Meet Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Justice Minister Designate

By
Ivy Hollys
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dominic ayine

President John Dramani Mahama, has appointed Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney General and Minister for Justice Designate.

 Dr. Dominic Ayine is a seasoned legal expert and former Deputy Attorney General. His dedication to justice and legal reform is expected to strengthen legal transparency and drive crucial judicial reforms in Ghana’s ninth parliament. 

Here are some noteworthy facts about Dr. Ayine:

  •  Dr. Ayine was born on January 6, 1966 and holds a Ph.D. in law from Stanford University, alongside a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana. He also has a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
  • With 30 years of legal practice, Dr. Ayine has become a leading figure in Ghana’s legal profession.
  • Dr. Dominic Ayine has lectured at the University of Ghana Law School where he has mentored several leaders in Ghana’s legal landscape.
  • He is the owner of Ayine & Partners, a firm known for delivering top-tier legal services.
  • Dr. Ayine significantly contributed to Ghana’s legal and judicial reform initiatives while serving as Deputy Attorney General.

His appointment underscores his extensive qualifications and his expertise in legal matters make him a valuable asset to the government.

Ministerial Picks: Jinapor, Ato Forson and Dominic Ayine Nominated by John Mahama 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Parliament vets ministerial-picks-by-john-mahama

President John Mahama has nominated Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Finance Minister-designate, with John Abdulai Jinapor and Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Ministers-designate for Energy and Attorney General cum Minister of Justice respectively.

A statement issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Ag. Spokesperson to the President, has announced.

John Dramani Mahama officially assumed office as the President of the Republic of Ghana, marking the beginning of his second term in office after a resounding victory in the 2024 general elections.

The historic swearing-in ceremony took place at the Black Star Square in Accra on January 7, 2025, with a crowd of dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens in attendance. 

Mahama, the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was sworn in by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. 

These appointments by President John Mahama come on the back of a letter issued on Wednesday, January 8, stating that President John Dramani Mahama had revoked all appointments of Chief Executives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

See communiqué below:

john mahama appointees
john mahama appointees

Mahama revokes all MMDCE appointments

By
Ivy Hollys
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john mahama:president of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked all appointments of Chief Executives for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

A letter issued on Wednesday, January 8, stated that in accordance with the powers vested in President Mahama under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). As amended by the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 940), the following appointments are revoked, effective immediately:

  1. Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies
  2. Assembly Members appointed under the relevant provisions of the Act

The letter was signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President.

The letter of revocation was directed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development in Accra.

The letter further directs that, as an interim measure, respective Coordinating Directors of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) step in. They will act as chief executives until new appointments are made.

Inflation: Government Misses its 2024 end-year Target

By
Ivy Hollys
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inflation rate in ghana

The government has missed its 2024 end-year inflation target of 15% as inflation for December 2024 rose slightly to 23.8%. This is up from 23% in November. This rise is said to be primarily driven by increases in food prices.

This marks the fourth consecutive monthly rise after a five-month decline. Food inflation jumped from 25.9% to 27.8%, while non-food inflation saw a slight decrease, from 20.7% to 20.3%.

Government Statistician Professor Samuel Kobina Annim explained that “In December 2024, average prices of goods and services went up by 23.8%. On a year-on-year basis, specifically between December 2023 and December 2024, general price levels of goods and services went up by 23.8%.

“This is against the backdrop that on a year-on-year basis, in November 2024 we recorded an overall rate of inflation of 23.0%. Indicating that on a year-on-year basis between November and December 2024 we saw a marginal increase of 0.8 percentage points. This is for the year-on-year inflation.

“Disaggregating year-on-year inflation from a food and non-food perspective. We identified a 7.5 percentage point difference between inflation for food and inflation for non-food. With inflation for food standing at 27.8% in December 2024 and non-food inflation at 20.3% for December 2024.

“We have seen an increase in food inflation increasing from 25.9% to 27.8%. In contrast, we have recorded a decline in non-food inflation declining from 20.7% by 0.4 percentage points to 20.3% for December 2024.

Source: citinewsroom

Read also: Ghana’s Inflation Eases in August—Prof Annim

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