Newly sworn-in Chairman of the Board of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has outlined a transformative vision for the nation’s power sector.
He emphasized the importance of innovation, efficiency, and customer-centricity in driving the ECG forward.
In an inaugural speech he delivered after being sworn in to take his new position as the Chairman of the ECG Board, the Majority leader in Parliament stressed the significant challenges that the electricity company faces and the frustrations of unexpected outages, confusion bills and unreliable service experienced by many Ghanaians.
While acknowledging improvements under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Afenyo-Markin admitted there is still considerable room for improvement.
He acknowledged the privilege of stepping into a role that has been shaped by the exemplary leadership and visionary efforts of past board chairs and sector Ministers of the ECG.
The Majority leader stressed the strategic journey undertaken by ECG in recent years, focusing on core areas such as Revenue Growth, Operational Excellence, and Customer Value.
Their relentless dedication and strategic foresight, he said, have catalyzed transformative changes, steering ECG towards significant milestones.
The new Chairman proposed a plan built on four pillars: operational efficiency, financial sustainability, employee empowerment, and regulatory compliance to grow the company further.
He stressed the importance of embracing smart grid technologies, enhancing customer service, and improving infrastructure.
“We can start by deepening the deployment of smart grid technologies in big cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. This technology has the power to reduce outage response times, boost businesses, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” he stated.
According to him, financial sustainability is not just a matter of accounting but also a matter of trust.
He advocated for refining procurement processes, exploring innovative financing instruments like green bonds, and investing in the workforce.
He said, “By providing comprehensive training programmes and a performance-based rewards system, we can boost employee morale and productivity.
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the complexities and challenges ahead, including fluctuations in global energy prices, climate change, and rapid urbanization.
He, however, expressed optimism that these challenges would be surmounted over time with hard work.
He assured customers and employees of his dedication to improving ECG stating, “We hear your frustrations buy your experiences will guide our improvements. To our employees: Your dedication has kept this company running through difficult times. Your insights will be crucial as we implement these changes.”
The Majority leader called for unity and collective effort to achieve ECG’s goals and stressed that Ghanaians can, together, build an ECG that not only powers homes and businesses but energizes the nation’s future.
He urged Ghanaians to bring their ideas, energies, and commitments to this cause and stressed it is only together that the citizenry can truly light up Ghana, not just for today, but for generations to come.