Free SHS Secretariat Allocates GH¢5 Million to Settle School Electricity Bills

In a bid to address the mounting electricity debts owed by second-cycle schools, the Free Senior High School (SHS) Secretariat has taken proactive measures by allocating GH¢5 million to settle part of the outstanding bills with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This move comes amidst concerns over potential disconnections and disruptions in school operations due to overdue payments.

According to William Boateng, the Director of Communication at ECG, the allocation aims to prevent further actions by the power distribution company against schools grappling with financial obligations. Boateng disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled between the Free SHS Secretariat and ECG to discuss the comprehensive indebtedness of SHSs within the operational areas covered by ECG.

The decision to allocate funds follows a recent incident where Accra Academy faced power disconnection due to unpaid bills amounting to over GH¢485,000 as of January. While ECG has reinstated power supply to the school following assurances from the Free SHS Secretariat, questions have been raised regarding the humane approach to such actions, especially concerning student welfare.

Boateng clarified that despite public sentiments, ECG’s actions are guided by operational protocols, where schools are regarded as clients responsible for settling their bills. He emphasized ECG’s role in revenue collection to sustain operations and investment in modernizing infrastructure, including fault rectification and upgrading transformers.

Moreover, ECG’s recent announcement of the “Operation No Free Consumption” underscores the company’s efforts to curb power theft and enforce payment compliance. During this nationwide initiative, ECG teams are actively engaged in updating customer records, recovering arrears, and disconnecting services for non-payment.

As discussions between the Free SHS Secretariat and ECG unfold, stakeholders anticipate a sustainable resolution to alleviate the financial burden on schools while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services for students and staff alike.