The Government of Ghana has approved a targeted exemption on electricity bills for selected strategic institutions, following a cabinet decision chaired by President John Dramani Mahama.

Announcing the initiative, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, stated that the policy is aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted operation of critical national services in the sectors of security, health, and education.

The measure also seeks to promote accountability in energy consumption and bolster the resilience of essential public institutions.

Under the directive, the Ministry of Finance will absorb electricity costs for qualifying institutions through their approved budgetary allocations.

The exemptions apply to the following ministries: Office of the President, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education

However, the exemptions are limited strictly to core operational facilities. Auxiliary, non-essential, or recreational units are not covered.

In the educational sector, covered facilities include classrooms, universities, lecture halls, science and computer labs, and research centers. Dormitories, dining halls, and recreational areas are excluded.

In the health sector, hospitals, operating theatres, blood banks, medical laboratories, and patient wards are included. Staff accommodations and leisure facilities are not.

Under the defence sector, exemptions apply only to essential installations such as military intelligence, national defence communications, and emergency response systems.

For the interior sector, police and emergency service units are included, while administrative and non-essential facilities are excluded.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have been directed to step up revenue collection from institutions not covered by the exemptions.

They are also authorised to disconnect power from non-exempt entities that fail to settle their bills.

Minister Jinapor emphasised that the move reflects the government’s commitment to financial discipline in the energy sector, while maintaining stability in power supply for all citizens.
“This exemption ensures uninterrupted services in sectors vital to national security, health, and education, while also enforcing accountability among non-exempt users,” he stated