The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has disbursed GH¢1.2bn as part-payment of the free electricity and water bills for consumers since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ghana.
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 in Ghana , government directed the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana to ensure the stable supply of water and electricity during the period.
The free water and electricity relief which was scheduled to end in December 2020 was extended for lifeline consumers from January – March 2021.
These measures announced by President Akufo-Addo is aimed at aiding the general public especially the vulnerable families, from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Ofori-Atta stated in his last budget statement to Parliament that lifeline electricity consumers and households whose water usage did not exceed five cubic metres per month would not pay for the utilities for January, February and March, 2021.
Disclosing the disbursement of the funds, Minister Designate for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta noted that the electricity Company of Ghana had received over GH₵1billion as part payment to keep the lights on until now.
According to him, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has also GH¢180 million to cover free water to the general public since the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Total budget on the relief programme by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning amounted to at least GH₵1.8 billion.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa