Ghana’s state electric distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has cut power supply to several state institutions, including Ghana Water Limited’s Weija treatment plant and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), over unpaid bills running into tens of millions of dollars.
The ECG cited an outstanding bill of $97 million owed by Ghana Water Limited and $305,000 owed by GBC, despite repeated pleas for payment.
The power cut to the Weija treatment plant, which supplies about 80% of the capital and environs, may lead to widespread water shortages, affecting local businesses and informal traders who rely on running water.
ECG executives claim that their stepped-up collections campaign aims to stem growing losses on their balance sheet, despite the consequences of disrupting essential services.
The ECG had given Ghana Water Limited a 48-hour ultimatum to pay up or face a longer-term supply cut to its main pumping stations.
The development has raised concerns about the impact on the water distribution system and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
