The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has underscored the imperative of transparency in the management of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), noting that such contracts must not be concealed from public scrutiny.
Speaking during a working visit by members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus to the Ministry on Wednesday, March 18, in Accra, the Minister welcomed ongoing commitments to make PPAs publicly accessible, describing the initiative as both “instrumental and useful” in strengthening governance within the energy sector.
Leading the delegation, Vice Chairperson of the Caucus and Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, indicated that the visit formed part of broader efforts to assess the progress of state institutions in implementing commitments under Ghana’s National Action Plan.
He explained that a central pillar of the OGP framework involves amending the mandate of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to incorporate the public disclosure of PPAs, thereby entrenching transparency in power-sector contracting.
In response, Mr Jinapor noted that the Ministry already submits all PPAs to Parliament and has recently renegotiated an agreement approved under a previous administration, which has since been forwarded for parliamentary consideration.
He further revealed that a Legislative Instrument has been enacted to regulate procurement processes within the power sector, signalling a shift towards greater institutional discipline.
Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to establish a dedicated online platform through which all PPAs will be published and made readily accessible to the public.
“Anyone who wants a PPA can go there and download it,” he assured, reinforcing the government’s commitment to openness, accountability and stakeholder engagement.
The renewed push for transparency emerges against a backdrop of longstanding concerns over the opaque nature of PPA negotiations in Ghana, often conducted behind closed doors. Analysts have linked such secrecy to systemic inefficiencies and the escalation of costs ultimately borne by consumers.
Notably, past controversies include the 2017 cancellation of an agreement with the Ghana Power Generating Company, which triggered international arbitration involving Trafigura. The dispute culminated in a $140 million judgment against the state, underscoring the financial risks associated with non-transparent contracting.
Stakeholders continue to advocate enhanced disclosure and accountability mechanisms in the negotiation of PPAs, with the aim of averting similar disputes and ensuring value for money in future agreements.
Ghana, a member of the OGP since 2011, remains actively engaged through Parliament. The OGP Caucus, established to oversee the implementation of transparency commitments, has in recent months intensified engagements with key institutions, including the Internal Audit Agency and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, as part of its oversight mandate.
Other members of the Caucus present at the engagement included the Member of Parliament for Sene East, Hon. Dominic Nampare; Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Hon. Shirley Kyei; Member of Parliament for Trobu Constituency, Hon. Gloria Owusu; Member of Parliament for Nsuta/Kwaman Beposo, Hon. Adelaide Ntim; and the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, Hon. Professor Kingsley Nyarko.
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