The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, led by Minister John Jinapor, has introduced a new directive requiring all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to include their power consumption in their annual budgets.
Speaking at a meeting with the Energy Committee and key power sector agencies on Thursday, May 15, Minister Jinapor stressed that the move is part of broader efforts to improve financial discipline and reduce the strain on Ghana’s energy sector.
Jinapor clarified that while most government institutions will be required to cover their electricity costs, certain critical services will be partially exempted to avoid disrupting essential operations.
“MDAs must now budget for their electricity consumption. This includes agencies in the health, education, security, and executive sectors,” he explained.
However, he noted that only specific sections within these sectors will benefit from the exemptions. For instance:
- Health Sector: Only laboratories, operating theatres, and patient wards will be exempt, while administrative offices and general facilities will be required to pay.
- Education Sector: Lecture halls are covered, but dormitories, dining halls, and recreational facilities will not receive exemptions.
“We have classified these exemptions, and Parliament is in the process of approving them. Once finalized, we will publish the full list,” Jinapor added.
In a related announcement, the Ministry revealed that it is urgently seeking 1.1 billion Ghana Cedis to purchase liquid fuel for power generation, as current fuel reserves are projected to last only 2.6 days.
The funding request comes amid growing concerns over Ghana’s energy security, with experts warning that a prolonged fuel shortage could trigger widespread blackouts and disrupt essential services.
The Minister assured stakeholders that the government is working around the clock to address the fuel crisis and maintain a stable power supply.
The Ministry’s directive is expected to improve transparency and financial accountability within the public sector, while also reducing the financial burden on the national power grid. However, the success of this initiative will depend on timely budgetary approvals and the efficient management of energy resources.
