Peter Asare Nyarko writes: Open letter to President Mahama on urgent electricity reforms

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

President of the Republic of Ghana

Jubilee House

Accra, Ghana

Subject: The Urgent Need for Electricity Bill Reforms to Alleviate Financial Hardship

Your Excellency,

I write to you as a concerned citizen and a champion for breaking the cycle of inherited poverty in Ghana. One of the major obstacles to financial stability for many families is the high cost of electricity, which has been exacerbated by the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) faulty meters, unexplained billing inconsistencies, and unreliable service. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income households, deepening poverty and limiting economic opportunities.

Across the country, countless citizens report receiving exorbitant electricity bills that do not reflect their actual consumption. Many of these cases stem from malfunctioning or outdated meters that inaccurately record usage. Despite lodging complaints with ECG, most consumers face a lengthy and frustrating process with little to no resolution. Worse still, these excessive charges force many families to divert funds meant for education, healthcare, and small businesses just to keep their lights on.

Furthermore, frequent power fluctuations damage household appliances and disrupt businesses, adding to the financial burden. The unpredictability of electricity costs makes it difficult for families to plan and save, trapping them in a cycle of economic struggle. If left unchecked, this issue will continue to widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor, making it even harder for vulnerable Ghanaians to break free from generational poverty.

To address this critical issue, I respectfully urge your office to:

1. Mandate a nationwide audit and replacement of faulty meters to ensure accurate billing and restore trust in the system.

2. Enforce transparency in ECG’s billing system by providing clear and accessible breakdowns of charges to consumers.

3. Establish an independent consumer protection body to oversee ECG’s operations and resolve disputes fairly and promptly.

4. Hold ECG accountable for service quality and efficiency to reduce power fluctuations and financial losses for consumers.

5. Introduce subsidy programs or flexible payment plans for low-income households to prevent electricity costs from deepening poverty.

Electricity is not a luxury—it is a necessity for economic growth and financial empowerment.

If Ghana is to make progress in eradicating inherited poverty, we must ensure that essential services like electricity are reliable, affordable, and justly billed. I trust in your leadership to take decisive action in addressing this pressing issue for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing concrete steps taken to bring relief to struggling families and businesses.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Asare Nyarko

An Advocate for Financial Literacy and a Concerned Citizen Committed to Ending Inherited Poverty