By: Caleb Agyekum Aidoo
As part of efforts to ensure the affordability of electricity tariffs in the West African Sub Region, the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, ERERA has organized a five-day workshop in Koforidua with Communication experts in the energy sector to discuss the rationale behind electricity prices which has a ripple effect on goods and services in the ECOWAS Sub Region.
Speaking to the media, the Chairman of ERERA, Professor Honore Bogler said his outfit seeks to abreast citizens of ECOWAS on what entails in the electricity tariffs in the sub region and ensure a proper communication in a competitive market.
This he said is to safeguard consumers by providing them with a reasonable tariffs.
Professor Bogler said though the first phase of the discussion has been launched, he admitted that they are struggling to meet the deadline of the second phase in 2023.
He indicated that after a meeting with West African Power Pool in Cotonou-Benin, they are optimistic the deadline will be achieved.
The Commissioner of Economics at ERERA, Dr Haliru Dikko, said current energy market which makes Ghana a hub in the energy market is not sustainable and that ERERA seeks to formalize the market by moving from a bilateral trade between Ghana and some West African Countries to a Power Purchase Agreement which considers the consumer as paramount.
The Communications Officer of ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority, Uwen Thompson, elaborating on the background of the meeting said, there is a master plan to ensure citizens of ECOWAS are provided with affordable and effective electricity in the Sub Region.
He further took the media through what the experts will be discussing at the workshop.
