BREAKING: Herbert Krapa Appointed New Board Chairman of ECG

President Akufo-Addo has appointed Herbert Krapa as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of ECG. Krapa, who currently serves as the Deputy Minister for Energy, will take on the additional responsibility of leading the board of the national electricity company.

The appointment follows the resignation of Keli Gadzekpo, who had chaired ECG since 2017. Gadzekpo’s departure, announced in a letter to President Akufo-Addo on March 26, 2024, will officially take effect on April 9, 2024.

As a lawyer and experienced energy sector professional, Krapa is expected to bring leadership and expertise to the role. He will continue to serve as Deputy Minister for Energy while assuming his new responsibilities as Chairman of the ECG Board.

Krapa’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Ghana grapples with intermittent interruptions in electricity supply. President Akufo-Addo has expressed determination to overcome these challenges promptly, emphasizing the need for stable power supply for Ghanaian consumers.

One major point of contention has been the export of power by VRA, which has reportedly affected the reliability of domestic power supply. Efforts are underway to prioritize the domestic power market, especially as Ghana Gas is scheduled for maintenance shutdown in April.

ECG has blamed VRA and GRIDCO for recent power cuts, alleging that VRA’s export activities have strained the local market. On the other hand, other agencies have accused ECG of financial mismanagement and prioritizing other expenses over timely payments.

Krapa’s appointment is expected to enhance coordination among sector agencies and improve collaboration between ECG and the Ministry of Energy. With concerted efforts, the aim is to minimize the negative impact of upcoming maintenance activities on power supply and ensure uninterrupted electricity provision for Ghanaian consumers.