John Abdulai Jinapor - thesavannaonline

Guess Who Uses Power for Free in Ghana

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced that the Cabinet has approved the exemption of electricity bills for selected strategic institutions, including security agencies and those in the health and education sectors.

Mr. Jinapor said the decision was reached after a Cabinet meeting held during the week in Accra, chaired by President John Dramani Mahama.

The Minister explained that the initiative is intended to safeguard the uninterrupted operations of essential national services in key sectors such as security, health, and education.

He further stated that the new policy aims to enhance energy consumption accountability and strengthen critical government institutions’ operational resilience.

Mr. Jinapor noted that the measure taken by the John Mahama-led government reflects its commitment to financial discipline in the energy sector and to maintaining a stable power supply for all Ghanaians.

“This exemption ensures uninterrupted services in sectors vital to national security, health, and education while also enforcing accountability among non-exempt users,” he stated.

Under the directive, the Ministry of Finance will absorb the electricity costs for these institutions through their approved budget allocations.

The exemption applies to the following ministries: the Office of the President, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education.

The exemptions are strictly limited to core operational units, excluding auxiliary and non-essential facilities.

The exemption applies to classrooms, universities, science and computer laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities in the education sector. It does not cover dormitories, dining halls, or recreational areas.

The health sector includes hospitals, operating theatres, blood banks, medical laboratories, and wards. Staff residences and leisure facilities are excluded.

Only critical installations such as military intelligence, national defence communications, and emergency systems are covered for the defence sector. Non-emergency sites are excluded.

Under the Interior Ministry, police and emergency response units are included, while other facilities remain outside the exemption.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have been directed to intensify revenue collection efforts from institutions not covered under the exemption.

They are authorised to disconnect power to any non-exempt entity with unpaid bills.

Electricity Tariffs to go up. Jinapor calls for calm

John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, urges Ghanaians to remain patient. He asks them to be understanding as the country prepares for a 14.75% hike in electricity tariffs beginning May 3, 2025.

According to the recent statement from the PURC, the tariff revision aims to provide stability to the energy industry. It also addresses enduring issues with its operations and finances.

Addressing the Committee of Ministers at the West African Gas Pipeline Project meeting in Accra, Mr. Jinapor emphasized the significance of conducting a review to maintain the country’s power supply and drive progress in sector reforms.

The speaker expressed their plea to Ghanaians and the overall public to understand. They are implementing necessary, albeit challenging, decisions. These decisions aim to have dependable power sources for the country’s economic progress.

The Energy Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor has refuted claims of accusing Tamale residents of being power thieves.

On this day, the 28th of April, Minister John Abdulai Jinapor of Energy and Green Transition rejected claims spreading on social media about his supposed statement labeling 70% of Tamale residents as electricity thieves.

Mr Jinapor has released a press statement this morning, denouncing the reports as “entirely false, contrived and baseless,” He has appealed to the public to pay no attention to these allegations.

He underscored that the audio-visual recordings would prove that he never called the people of Tamale power thieves during his visit.

Mr Jinapor further elaborated on his remarks, stating that he had raised apprehension over the significant ATC&C losses in the NEDCo operational area.

The losses were pointed out as the highest in the area, and they have played a significant role in causing frequent power outages.

“For the avoidance of doubt, technical and collection losses have nothing to do with power theft but rather signify the inefficiencies of the utility company,” he stated.

The Minister emphasized the necessity for immediate changes in the power sector in Tamale, stressing the importance of both substantial investments and operational efficiency to address the current difficulties.

According to him, it is imperative to make enhancements in revenue collection and technical operations in order to ensure a dependable, steady and uninterrupted electricity supply for the residents of Tamale.

Mr Jinapor’s proposed actions demonstrate a larger mission to improve energy distribution throughout the Northern regions.

As he wrapped up his statement, Mr Jinapor reiterated his profound admiration and dedication to the people of Tamale, referring to them as his fellow community members.

“Let me finally assure the chiefs, elders and people of Tamale of my utmost respect and reverence to them and will never use derogatory words to describe my kinsmen,” he said.

His forceful response seems to prioritize maintaining the trust of the community while tackling the technical obstacles in the local energy distribution system.