Ghana's ECG Crisis: US Ambassador Sounds Alarm, Supports Mahama's Reforms

Ghana's Power Sector Crisis: US Ambassador Highlights ECG Losses, Backs Mahama's Reform Plan. Ghana is grappling with a severe financial crisis within its power sector. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is facing substantial losses, a situation that has drawn the attention of the international community. In a recent interview, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, expressed serious concerns about the ECG's financial state, stating, “ECG is bleeding your exchequer more than we thought.” Despite this grim assessment, Ambassador Palmer expressed confidence in the reform agenda proposed by President Mahama. She pointed to President Mahama's proactive engagement with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) even before his election as evidence of his commitment to addressing the issue. The ambassador's comments highlight the urgency of the situation and the potential for positive change under the new reform plan. The scale of the problem is significant; the Minister of Finance recently reported losses of 2.2 billion dollars annually. The success of Mahama's reforms will be crucial not only for Ghana's energy sector but also for its overall economic stability and its relationship with international partners like the United States.