IMANI Africa Proposes ‘RESET’ Model as Alternative to Private Sector Participation in ECG

Title: IMANI Africa Proposes ‘RESET’ Model as Alternative to Private Sector Participation in ECG

Meta Description: Policy think tank IMANI Africa introduces a ‘RESET’ model aimed at reforming the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), offering a viable alternative to private sector control.

Summary:
IMANI Africa has proposed a new framework dubbed the ‘RESET’ model as a homegrown solution to the persistent inefficiencies of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), challenging the government’s plans for increased private sector involvement.

Accra, Ghana – Top Knowledge TV | Energy & Policy Desk

In a bold policy intervention, leading Ghanaian think tank IMANI Africa has proposed a comprehensive alternative to private sector participation in the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Dubbed the ‘RESET’ model, the framework outlines a structured, Ghana-led path to reform the troubled utility company without surrendering control to foreign or private interests.

The RESET model, which stands for Restructure, Efficiency, Sustainability, Empowerment, and Transparency, was unveiled at a recent press briefing in Accra. It offers actionable reforms that could address ECG’s operational inefficiencies, financial constraints, and service delivery challenges—without needing full privatization.

Key Pillars of the RESET Model:

• Restructure: Reorganize ECG’s management and operational divisions to allow regional autonomy, performance-based management, and clearer accountability.

• Efficiency: Introduce smart metering systems, reduce technical and commercial losses, and invest in modern energy infrastructure and training.

• Sustainability: Align ECG’s operations with Ghana’s long-term energy transition goals, including integration of renewable energy sources.

• Empowerment: Build internal technical capacity by investing in local expertise, reducing dependency on expatriate-led consultancy.

• Transparency: Publish regular financial and performance audits and enable stakeholder oversight, especially from civil society and Parliament.

Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, emphasized that Ghana does not need to rely on external entities to fix ECG’s systemic issues.

“Privatization is not a silver bullet. The RESET model proves that with strong leadership, accountability, and smart technology, ECG can be transformed from within,” he said.

This proposal comes as the government continues to explore private sector participation, including a possible concession arrangement, to manage ECG’s operations and finances. However, such moves have faced public resistance, particularly following the controversial Power Distribution Services (PDS) saga in 2019.

Civil society groups and energy sector observers have welcomed the RESET model as a timely and patriotic proposal, urging the Ministry of Energy and ECG’s leadership to give it serious consideration.

Meanwhile, IMANI has pledged to engage further with stakeholders, including the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, to provide technical insights and support implementation strategies.