The Chief Executive Officer of Independence Power Generators (IPG), Dr. Elikplim Afetorgbor, is pushing for a major digital overhaul in Ghana’s energy sector, urging the government and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to invest in technology to modernize revenue collection and boost national productivity.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr. Afetorgbor praised ECG for its current revenue collection performance—reportedly hitting an 85 percent mark—but cautioned against any attempts to privatize revenue operations. According to him, privatisation could compromise efficiency and reduce state control over critical infrastructure.
“Privatising ECG’s revenue collection would be a step in the wrong direction,” he warned. “Instead, we need to follow the example of developed nations and digitalise our systems to reduce revenue leakages and operational inefficiencies.”
Dr. Afetorgbor lauded former President John Dramani Mahama for resisting calls to privatise ECG’s revenue stream, a decision he described as forward-thinking and in Ghana’s long-term interest.
He further proposed that the Volta River Authority (VRA) consider selling its outdated power generation assets to private investors and reinvest the proceeds into technology-driven solutions. Additionally, he recommended that the VRA float public shares to foster broader citizen ownership and improve transparency and accountability.
“All revenues must be consolidated into a single account to ensure traceability, reduce corruption, and promote confidence in the system,” he stressed.
Beyond revenue collection, Dr. Afetorgbor also suggested leveraging Ghana’s natural resources—like gold and timber—as collateral to secure development financing from private entities. These funds, he said, should be channelled toward technological innovation and infrastructure improvements in the energy sector.
Residents in Keta who spoke to GNA welcomed the proposals, describing the call for digitalisation as timely and necessary. They appealed to ECG and the government to urgently prioritise the modernisation of billing and collection systems and address persistent power supply issues in the area.
Many believe that with the right investments in digital infrastructure, Ghana’s power sector could experience a transformative shift toward greater efficiency, transparency, and economic resilience.
