Power Distribution Services Ghana

Power Distribution Services Ghana (PDS Ghana Limited),[1] was an electricity distribution company in Ghana. The company's operation covered about thirty percent of the total land mass of the country.[2] Formerly, and as a public company, its operations were under the Ministry of Energy of Ghana.[3] Together with Northern Electricity Distribution Company, they supplied all of Ghana's electricity demands as well as some other West African countries.[4] PDS took over Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on 1 March 2019.[5][6]

The company initiated many periods of load shedding which increased in recent times, and gained traction in popular culture under the term dumsor. Ownership was eventually reverted back to the ECG.[7]

The Controversy

The Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited takeover was a controversial deal that saw the Ghanaian government award a 25-year concession to PDS to manage the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The deal was signed in March 2019, but was suspended in July 2019 following allegations of fraud. The government subsequently terminated the deal in October 2019.[8]

History

Enacted as a result of Parliament's Energy Commission Act of 1997 (Act 541), the Energy Commission assumes a pivotal role in Ghana's energy landscape. Its primary mandate revolves around the meticulous regulation, strategic management, comprehensive development, and optimal utilization of the nation's diverse energy resources. By diligently overseeing these critical aspects, the Energy Commission actively contributes to the sustainable growth and efficient operation of Ghana's energy sector, ensuring its alignment with both national priorities and international best practices.[9]

The Energy Commission is the key regulator for Ghana's energy sectors and advises the government on energy matters.[9] The company's main focus is providing electricity to Ghana's people with commercial integrity and overseeing rural electrification projects for the government.[10]

See also

References
  1. "PDS takes over ECG today after initial postponement". 27 February 2019.
  2. "Electricity Company Of Gh. (ECG)". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  3. "ECG will make or break Ghana's power sector". www.ghanabusinessnews.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  4. "VRA/NEDCo board inaugurated". thechronicle.com.gh. Archived from the original on 20 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2013.
  5. myadmin (28 February 2019). "ECG take-over, PDS Ghana Limited to invest over $580m". Ghana Business News. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  6. Bungane, Babalwa (28 February 2019). "Change: Power Distribution Services Ghana takes over". ESI-Africa.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  7. "Ghana: PDS concession suspension provides setback for power sector | African Energy". www.africa-energy.com. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  8. "MCC Statement Regarding Termination of the Private Sector Concession by the Government of Ghana". Millennium Challenge Corporation. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  9. "Organizational Structure". www.energycom.gov.gh. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  10. "About". Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
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