The Government of Ghana has moved to address mounting public concerns over electricity billing anomalies, meter shortages and prolonged delays in metering services, as it intensifies efforts to strengthen transparency and consumer confidence in the power sector.
At the commissioning of the new MBH Power Meter Manufacturing Facility in Tema on Wednesday, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, detailed a series of decisive steps intended to tackle persistent challenges in electricity metering and billing systems.
Probe into Billing Issues
Mr Jinapor disclosed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have been given a seven-day deadline to present comprehensive reports and propose lasting solutions to irregular meter readings and abnormal billing complaints.
The directive forms part of a broader government drive to restore confidence in the electricity value chain. The minister also instructed the Energy Commission to collaborate with ECG in investigating reported cases of both over-billing and under-billing, which have generated widespread public frustration.
While the nation currently faces no generation shortfall, Mr Jinapor said structural challenges within the distribution network are being actively addressed to ensure efficiency and fairness in billing.
Local Meter Production to Reduce Dependencies
In a strategic shift towards self-reliance, Ghana has inaugurated its first locally-based electricity meter manufacturing plant operated by MBH Power Limited aimed at reducing heavy reliance on imported meters.
The new facility, which has the capacity to produce hundreds of thousands of energy meters annually, is expected to curb import costs, retain economic value within the country, and generate skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
Mr Jinapor described the commissioning as a major milestone for the energy sector and industrial growth, emphasizing that accurate and reliable metering is critical to fairness, transparency and revenue protection across Ghana’s electricity supply chain.
“For years we have depended on imported meters, resulting in capital outflows and limited local participation in this critical segment of the industry. Today, that narrative is changing,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with credible private investors.
Addressing Consumer Grievances
The establishment of MBH Power’s manufacturing plant comes amid increasing public complaints about rapid depletion of prepaid credits and perceptions of inaccurate billing, particularly since the rollout of advanced meter installations nationwide. Government officials have conveyed intentions to investigate these complaints thoroughly and, where faults are confirmed, ensure replacement and possible consumer compensation.
Consumers and stakeholders will be watching closely as ECG, NEDCo and sector regulators work to meet the government’s deadline and implement reforms aimed at improving accountability and trust in Ghana’s electricity service delivery.