Government has announced a raft of measures to tackle Ghana’s persistent electricity metering challenges, including chronic shortages, long installation delays, and widespread complaints of irregular billing.
Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor disclosed that he has engaged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) with firm instructions to resolve supply constraints and streamline distribution processes.
The institutions have been given a seven-day deadline to submit a report proposing lasting solutions to irregular meter readings, with the goal of restoring consumer confidence.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister Richard Gyan-Mensah at the commissioning of the MBH Power Meter Manufacturing Facility in Tema yesterday, Mr Jinapor described accurate metering as fundamental to fairness, transparency and revenue protection.
He said he had directed ECG and the Energy Commission to investigate complaints of both under-billing and over-billing, acknowledging widespread public frustration over meter access difficulties and lengthy waiting periods.
Local Production Milestone
The minister described the MBH Power facility as a major milestone in Ghana’s energy sector, marking a strategic shift away from import dependence towards local production and industrial growth.
“For years, we have relied heavily on imported meters, leading to capital outflows and limited local participation in this critical segment of the energy industry,” Mr Jinapor said. “Today, we are proud that this narrative is changing.”
The plant, he noted, would retain economic value locally, create skilled and semi-skilled jobs, and build technical capacity within the country.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with credible private investors to drive innovation, improve metering systems, reduce commercial and technical losses, and enhance revenue mobilisation.
750,000 Meters Annually
Nikel Goel, Director of the Ghana Office of MBH Power Limited, announced that the factory has capacity to produce 750,000 meters annually, with plans to double production in future.
The company, which began operations in Ghana in 2007, previously operated a meter assembly plant from a rented facility but has now invested in a permanent factory as a demonstration of confidence in Ghana’s economic growth.
Mr Goel emphasised that reliable electricity supply was critical to Ghana’s economic development and assured stakeholders of MBH Power’s long-term commitment to supporting the country’s energy aspirations.
The event was attended by MBH Group Chairman Mukhi Bhagwan, main shareholder Rachit Shah, power sector specialist from Niger Ari Ibrahim Pokori, Ghana Water Limited Operations General Manager Michael Botse-Baidoo, and Tema East MP Isaac Ashai Odamtten.
