The Energy Minister-designate, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has disclosed that approximately 2.9 million smart prepaid meters across Ghana are malfunctioning, creating significant challenges for electricity consumers nationwide.
“This staggering number is causing frustrations for consumers, who face delays and difficulties in acquiring replacements,” Mr. Jinapor said during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Urgent need for replacement
The Minister-designate emphasized the urgency of replacing these meters to meet current market demands. “The limited availability of functional meters is exacerbating the issue, with customers struggling to access replacements,” he noted.
To address the problem, Mr. Jinapor proposed a structured approach to ensure a steady supply of functional meters. He pledged to tackle the issue head-on if approved, exploring innovative solutions such as empowering consumers to purchase meters directly.
“The ideal way is to ensure the availability of prepared meters, especially smart meters, that can mimic all the requirements needed by consumers,” he stated.
Leveraging technology
Mr. Jinapor suggested that advancements in technology could provide a game-changing solution, enabling consumers to directly purchase and install their meters. He highlighted the need for smarter, more accessible metering systems as a critical step in resolving Ghana’s energy challenges.
Ministerial nominations announced
Mr. Jinapor’s revelation comes at a time when President John Dramani Mahama has submitted his first batch of ministerial nominations to Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution.
