The Minister for Energy-designate, John Jinapor, appeared before the Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, to undergo his ministerial vetting following his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama.<\/p>\n He took questions on various issues regarding the energy sector, challenges and mitigation measures. <\/p>\n Here are five major takeaways from the vetting:<\/p>\n ECG-private sector framework to be issued in 6 months<\/b><\/p>\n Energy Minister-designate John Abdulai Jinapor has outlined a six-month timeline to establish a comprehensive framework for private sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).<\/p>\n He reiterated the importance of transparency and expert input in the process.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe there should be private sector participation. What we intend to do is to form a seven-member committee, comprising technical experts, legal minds, financial analysts, industry players, and even a consumer representative,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n Energy sector debt balloons to $3 billion<\/b><\/p>\n The country\u2019s energy sector debt has surged past US$3 billion, rising from the approximately US$2 billion recorded under the previous administration of President John Dramani Mahama, according to Minister of Energy-designate, John Abdulai Jinapor. <\/p>\n He disputed claims suggesting the debt stood at US$5 billion at the time, explaining that reconciliations during the 2024 transition of power placed the debt stock at US$2.5 billion as of September 30, 2024.<\/p>\n Ghana’s upstream petroleum sector<\/b><\/p>\n When asked how the upstream petroleum sector can become more attractive to investors, he noted that he will put measures in place when appointed as the minister.<\/p>\n ECG\u2019s meter problems<\/b><\/p>\n John Jinapor also indicated that in order to ensure effective and readily available meter usage in the country, prepaid meters should be sold.<\/p>\n According to him, there are numerous faulty meters that are not working and require attention. <\/p>\n During his appearance before the Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, he emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to address meter issues in the country.<\/p>\n Watch the video below<\/b><\/p>\n![\"John](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/588\/58868851.295.jpg\" "\\"John")
play video<\/span>John Jinapor, Minister of Energy-designate<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n