No Pay, No Light: ECG Disconnects GWL, GBC Over Arears

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cut off power supply to two major state institutions, Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), over unpaid electricity bills.

This move was part of ECG’s nationwide campaign to recover debts and improve its financial situation.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, ECG disconnected Ghana Water Limited from the national power grid after the company failed to pay an outstanding GH¢999.6 million. A viral video circulating on social media, aired by Channel One TV, showed an official from the Ghana Water Company questioning ECG officials about why they are disconnecting the company’s power supply.

According to reports, ECG officials say the action is necessary to enforce discipline among government institutions and protect the power sector from collapse.

Soon after visiting GWL, the ECG task force also disconnected GBC, Ghana’s main state-owned broadcaster, over an unpaid debt of GH¢3.1 million. According to ECG, GBC had earlier agreed to a payment plan but failed to follow through, leading to the disconnection.

The ECG has now given Ghana Water Limited 48 hours to settle its debt or risk a prolonged blackout. This could have serious consequences, as GWL’s main pumping stations need electricity to supply water to homes, hospitals, and businesses across the country. If power is not restored soon, millions of Ghanaians may face a water crisis, with increased risks of waterborne diseases and disruption to essential services.

Meanwhile, ECG’s disconnection campaign is not limited to state institutions. On June 16, a day before the GWL and GBC disconnections, the ECG Revenue Team in Accra East uncovered massive power theft at Rehoboth Estate in Kweiman. Over 100 newly built homes were found to be using illegal connections, along with a block factory that was powering its operations without paying for electricity. The factory has since been disconnected.

In a video shared by JoyNews, ECG officers were seen expressing frustration over the level of power theft in the area, saying most residents did not have meters but had air conditioners running.

Eunice Nana Agyemang, ECG’s Revenue Protection Manager for Accra East, led the inspection and confirmed that their operations to stop electricity theft have been ongoing for the past two weeks.

ECG says its actions are not just about collecting money but sending a strong message: no institution or individual is above the law when it comes to paying for electricity.

The power distributor continues to face challenges in maintaining infrastructure and paying power producers, and hopes that this strong approach will lead to improved payment habits across Ghana.