The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has taken decisive action against Accra Academy, a prominent educational institution, by discontinuing its electricity supply due to an outstanding debt of approximately GHS480,000 ($58,000). This move on Monday night left the school’s campus without power, disrupting both academic and domestic routines and sparking concern among the staff and student body.
In an interview with Joy FM, ECG’s External Communications Manager, Laila Abubakari, explained the rationale behind the disconnection, highlighting the school’s accumulated post-paid electricity bills since July 2023. Abubakari stressed that the step was essential for the power distributor’s revenue mobilization efforts and stated that power would not be restored until the school adhered to specific requirements set forth by ECG.
Abubakari detailed that, to initiate the reconnection process, the school must first clear at least 50% of its outstanding debt. Additionally, the school could provide a guarantor to assure payment within a stipulated timeframe. “The consistent debt situation has become a significant challenge for us, affecting our monthly revenue. As a result, we’ve had to adopt a more stringent stance on collections to manage our financial obligations,” Abubakari remarked during the Super Morning Show on Joy FM.
The situation has raised concerns not only among the school’s administration but also among staff members puzzled over the disconnection of pre-paid meter users amidst the crackdown on arrears. Addressing these concerns, Abubakari acknowledged the anomaly, noting it as “a strange development” and assured that ECG would conduct an investigation to understand and rectify the issue.
The power cut at Accra Academy brings to light the broader challenges faced by educational institutions in managing utility expenses amidst tightening budgets and operational costs. It also underscores the Electricity Company of Ghana’s heightened efforts to improve its financial health through rigorous revenue collection measures.
As the school navigates its way out of this predicament, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely bill payments and the potential consequences of accumulating debt. The disconnection has not only impacted the day-to-day activities on campus but has also ignited a conversation about the sustainability of utilities management in schools and the need for collaborative solutions to prevent such disruptions in the future.
The Accra Academy’s situation highlights a critical junction for educational institutions and utility providers alike, calling for enhanced communication, flexible payment solutions, and shared responsibility in ensuring that schools remain conducive environments for learning and growth, even in the face of financial constraints.
