Ghana’s national electricity distributor has disconnected several government-run institutions from the power grid due to unpaid debts amounting to tens of millions of dollars. Despite repeated reminders, these agencies have reportedly failed to settle their arrears.
On Tuesday, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) cut off power supply to the Weija treatment plant operated by Ghana Water Limited in Accra, citing an outstanding balance of $97 million. Following that, it moved against the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which owes $305,000 and had not complied with an agreed payment schedule.
“This is not a step we take lightly, but we have given them enough notice. These are long‑standing arrears,” said Ishmael Tetteh Oku, ECG’s acting general manager of operations, in a statement to AFP.
“While we recognise the public importance of these utilities, ECG cannot continue supplying power for free amid its own financial challenges.”
ECG gave Ghana Water Limited a 48-hour deadline to clear the debt or risk an extended power cut to its main pumping stations—key infrastructure for the country’s water distribution system.
Past interruptions to the Weija facility—responsible for around 80 percent of Accra and its surrounding areas’ water supply—due to maintenance or faults, have led to significant water shortages affecting over 30 neighborhoods in western Accra.
This situation puts pressure on local businesses, including informal traders, eateries, and car wash operators, who depend on a steady water supply to stay operational.
According to ECG officials, this intensified debt recovery drive is necessary to address the company’s own growing financial shortfalls, even if it means temporarily cutting essential services.
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