In a bid to ensure uninterrupted operations of essential national services, the government has approved the exemption of electricity bills for selected strategic institutions. These include security agencies, health, and education sectors.
According to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, the decision was reached after a Cabinet meeting held in Accra, chaired by President John Dramani Mahama.
The exemption aims to safeguard the uninterrupted operations of essential national services in key sectors such as security, health, and education.
“This exemption ensures uninterrupted services in sectors vital to national security, health, and education, while also enforcing accountability among non-exempt users,” Mr. Jinapor 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 core operational units, excluding auxiliary and non-essential facilities.
The exempted institutions include the Office of the President, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education.
Specific areas covered under the exemption include classrooms, universities, science and computer laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities in the education sector, as well as hospitals, operating theatres, blood banks, medical laboratories, and wards in the health sector.
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.
The government says this measure reflects its commitment to financial discipline in the energy sector and to maintaining a stable power supply for all Ghanaians.