Afenyo-Markin calls for ECG reforms to cut electricity tariffs and support 24-hour economy

Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for comprehensive reforms at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to reduce electricity tariffs and create the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of the government’s 24-hour economy programme.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the government must prioritise tackling revenue leakages, illegal electricity connections and non-payment for power consumed instead of repeatedly increasing tariffs to compensate for inefficiencies within the power sector.

He made the comments while speaking to journalists after cultural troupes from Winneba paid a visit to him at his residence.

According to the minority leader, reducing the cost of electricity is crucial to attracting private sector investment and enabling businesses to operate profitably under the 24-hour economy initiative.

“They would have to look at the power sector critically and reform that place. Some reforms started; they should pursue them,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin identifies illegal connections, unpaid bills

Mr Afenyo-Markin identified illegal electricity connections and the failure of some consumers to pay their electricity bills as major areas requiring urgent attention.

READ MORE: Ghana Cedi exchange rate today, August 31, 2026

“Many people don’t pay for electricity they consume. There are a lot of illegal connections widespread. I think that it is one area where they have an opportunity to fix it,” he said.

He argued that continuously increasing electricity tariffs would not provide a sustainable solution to the challenges facing Ghana’s power sector.

“Otherwise, you see, we’ll continue to say increase the tariff, increase the tariff, but that will not be the solution. The government must be bold to fix the problems,” he said.

The minority leader maintained that a more affordable and reliable electricity supply would encourage businesses to invest, expand their operations and create more opportunities, particularly as the government seeks to implement its 24-hour economy policy.

Afenyo-Markin questions 24-hour economy preparations.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also questioned whether the government had put adequate mechanisms in place to ensure the effective implementation of the 24-hour economy programme.

He stressed that policy announcements alone would not guarantee success unless the necessary systems, infrastructure and safeguards were established to support implementation.

“If you have a beautiful idea and you don’t put in the guardrails to ensure that implementation benefits the people, I’m sorry, you will fail,” he said.

READ MORE: 2026 SHS Placement Results: CSSPS release date moved to September 4

He urged the government to build on reforms initiated by the previous administration to address longstanding challenges within the power sector.

According to him, the focus should be on practical reforms that improve efficiency, reduce electricity costs and create a more favourable operating environment for businesses.

Minority Leader criticises bureaucracy over 24-hour economy

The Effutu MP further criticised what he described as excessive bureaucracy surrounding the government’s 24-hour economy programme.

He said the government should move beyond policy rhetoric and concentrate on establishing the practical conditions needed to make the initiative successful.

“Beyond the big English, what are the supporting pillars in place for successful implementation?” he asked.

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s comments come amid ongoing discussions over the sustainability of Ghana’s electricity sector and the measures required to make the government’s 24-hour economy policy effective.

He maintained that fixing structural problems within the power sector, rather than relying primarily on tariff increases, would be essential to reducing the cost of doing business and creating an environment capable of supporting increased economic activity around the clock.