The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has publicly condemned the recent inappropriate intervention by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simons Osei Mensah in the operational matters of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
This intervention led to the wrongful arrest of Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe, the General Manager of ECG's Ashanti East region, following his lawful refusal to reconnect electricity services to Kumasi Technical University, despite its substantial unpaid bills.
In a statement, the GhIE said it regards the actions of the Ashanti Regional Minister as an overreach of authority and an undermining of the operational protocols that govern public utilities.
“The attempt to bypass these protocols through political influence not only disrupts the ethical conduct expected in public administration but also sets a dangerous precedent that could affect the integrity of utility management and public service delivery across the nation”, it said.
Furthermore, the GhIE stated it is disappointed with the Kumasi Technical University’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations to ECG, adding, the financial sustainability of utility services relies on the responsible payment practices of all users, including prominent academic institutions.
It added entities like Kumasi Technical University must lead by example in adhering to their fiscal responsibilities.
The GhIE applauded Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe for his steadfast commitment to enforcing the rules and regulations set forth by ECG.
It said his actions reflect the ethical backbone needed in positions of leadership within our public services, demonstrating adherence to principles of overpressures.
“GhIE supports Ing Mark Asomani Wiafe and other officials who uphold the integrity of our national utilities in the face of undue influence”, it added.
This incident, it said, should prompt a broader discussion about the boundaries of political intervention in operational matters of state-owned enterprises and reinforce the autonomy needed by public utility managers to operate within the framework of the law and established guidelines.
Credit: Joy Business