President Mahama Unveils Bold Plan to Transform Ghana’s Utilities Through Private Sector Partnerships

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a bold vision to transform Ghana’s utilities and urban infrastructure through strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs), promising a new era of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

Speaking today Thursday, 6th November, 2025 at the at Dawa Industrial Zone for Sod-Cutting ceremony of Solar for Industries Project, the President  emphasized that the private sector must play a greater role in delivering reliable utilities and modern urban development.

Injecting Private Sector Efficiency into Public Utilities

President Mahama argued that Ghana’s public utilities can achieve greater reliability through private sector participation.

“There is something to be said for injecting private sector efficiency into public utilities,” he said. He highlighted the Enclave Power Company as a successful example of this model.

“Enclave Power buys bulk electricity from the utilities and distributes it within the Free Zones enclave. They have a 99% collection rate, and the lights are always on in the enclave,” he noted.

Lessons from the PDS Experience

Reflecting on past challenges, the President addressed the controversial Power Distribution Services (PDS) deal, insisting that the concept was sound but poorly managed.

“PDS was not a bad idea. It was handled wrongly, and many people had personal interests in it, and that’s why it failed,” Mahama stated.

Water Sector Pilot for Rural Communities

The President revealed plans to extend private sector partnerships to the water sector through a pilot project focused on rural and small-town water systems.

“We’re going to experiment with small-town water systems that have broken down. Private sector companies will be engaged to repair, distribute, and collect bills,” he announced.

He, however, assured citizens that tariffs will remain affordable.

“These companies are not going to be able to set tariffs above what our people can afford to pay,” he stressed.

Solar for Industries Project: Powering the 24-Hour Economy

The Solar for Industries (SFI) initiative, the centerpiece of the event, will provide clean and reliable electricity for Ghana’s manufacturing and export zones — a crucial component of the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

“This facility will produce clean, stable, and affordable electricity dedicated to Ghana’s manufacturing and export zones. This is the core of our 24-hour economy and industrial recovery program,” the President declared.

Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to renewable energy development under the National Renewable Energy Master Plan, targeting 15% renewable energy by 2030.

Balancing Growth and Sustainability

President Mahama underscored that Ghana’s industrial transformation will align with environmental responsibility.

“This project shows that Ghana does not need to choose between economic growth and environmental protection. We can and must have both,” he said.

Building a Future on Partnership and Trust

President Mahama emphasized that the success of Ghana’s future depends on collaboration across sectors.

“The future we’re creating requires partnerships rooted in trust between governments, investors, communities, and the environment,” he said.

He described the Solar for Industries project as symbolic of Ghana’s readiness to lead Africa’s next phase of industrialization.

“This project is not just a power plant. It is a message that Ghana is ready to lead the next phase of Africa’s industrial renaissance — energized by the sun, propelled by innovation, and upheld by our collective determination.”

The feasibility study and design for the Green Digital City are expected to begin before the end of the year, with budgetary provisions already made by the Ministry of Finance.

Mahama Unveils 20-Year Green Digital City Plan

President Mahama announced an ambitious 20-year Green Digital City project designed to decongest Accra and introduce a new model of planned, eco-friendly urban growth.

“You must have heard me recently talk about a new green digital city, which we plan as a 20-year project to help decongest Accra,” Mahama said. “Accra will remain the capital, but we will move some government agencies and other critical offices out of Accra.”

He explained that the city will operate under strict planning and environmental standards.

“There will be no kiosks and containers in that city, and people will not be hawking by the roadside. If you want to sell anything, you will sell in the designated markets provided in the city,” he added.