We don’t intend to privatise VRA and Bui Power – John Jinapor

Energy Minister-designate, John Jinapor has proposed merging the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Bui Power Authority into a single entity to be known as the “Ghana Power Company.”

According to him, the new government has outlined plans to consolidate key players in Ghana’s energy sector to boost efficiency and ensure strategic management of national energy resources.

Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, he said “We believe that we can merge Bui Power and VRA so that we have something like Ghana Power Company,” he explained.

“This will create a holding company with three specialised subsidiaries for hydro, thermal, and renewable energy under one umbrella.”

Mr Jinapor assured that the government has no intention to privatise these energy assets, which currently generate about 45% of the country’s power supply.

“As a strategic step, you do not put all your energy assets in private hands,” he stated, adding that workers’ input would be considered before finalising any plans.

He further elaborated on the benefits of the consolidation, emphasising increased efficiency through specialisation. “We have hydro experts at VRA and Bui, as well as renewable energy specialists. Why don’t we bring all the renewable people together under one umbrella to maximise their expertise? Similarly, we can streamline operations for hydro and thermal components to reduce losses and improve efficiency,” he said.

Mr Jinapor highlighted that the move aligns with the ministry’s mandate to focus on Ghana’s green energy transition. “Procurement and resource management under a unified structure will bring about efficiency and net gains, while the receivables can be allocated to ensure operational sustainability,” he added.

The proposed merger, according to him, is still at the idea stage and will be refined in consultation with stakeholders to address potential challenges and achieve the desired outcomes.

Source: myjoyonline.com