Estate developers risk prosecution over illegal power connections-Energy Minister
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Addressing Parliament during a session focused on reducing commercial losses at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Jinapor revealed that a recent enforcement operation uncovered multiple unauthorized power connections within the Re...
Energy Minister John Jinapor has sounded a firm warning to estate developers involved in illegal electricity connections in Accra, declaring that they will soon face criminal charges.
Addressing Parliament during a session focused on reducing commercial losses at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Jinapor revealed that a recent enforcement operation uncovered multiple unauthorized power connections within the Rehoboth Estate. The developers behind the scheme, he confirmed, are being prepared for court.
He noted that the crackdown forms part of a broader national effort to tackle power theft and strengthen ECG’s financial stability. The minister emphasized that managers of estates found guilty of tampering with or bypassing electricity systems would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As part of reforms to address energy losses, Mr. Jinapor said ECG is rolling out advanced technologies, including smart meters, automated meter management systems, and compliant repayment meters. He reported that around one million smart meters have already been installed nationwide, allowing for real-time consumption tracking.
Mr. Jinapor also outlined a new policy requiring all state institutions—except the Presidency, Police Service, Military, Health, and Education sectors—to use prepaid meters or be placed on monthly billing plans. Even exempted institutions, he stressed, must still settle their bills.
To further deter illegal activity, the Minister said his office is preparing legislation to increase penalties for unauthorized meter installations and electricity theft. He noted that ECG is the only entity legally permitted to install meters and cautioned against underground cartels carrying out such operations.
He also condemned rising attacks on ECG and NEDCo officials during field operations, citing a recent incident in Tamale where workers were assaulted while monitoring connections. Mr. Jinapor made an urgent appeal to the public to cooperate with utility agencies.
On financial reforms, the Minister disclosed that ECG had already paid Independent Power Producers (IPPs) by mid-2025 an amount equal to the total disbursed in all of 2024—part of ongoing efforts to honour legacy obligations.
He also directed ECG to consolidate its finances by operating a single monitored account to improve transparency and allow regulators and the Energy Ministry to track incoming revenue and disbursements using the cash waterfall mechanism.
According to Mr. Jinapor, this change, along with strong collaboration with the Finance Ministry, has already improved the energy sector’s financial health. The appreciation of the cedi, he noted, has helped reduce the sector’s debt burden by 30% in local currency terms.
He concluded by expressing confidence in ECG’s current leadership under Engineer Julius Pekwena, commending the management for its cost-cutting initiatives and strategic financial realignment.
