COVID-19: Govt to absorb electricity bills

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced government's decision to absorb the electricity bills of consumers as part of measures to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus disease on Ghanaians.

The President last Sunday announced government's decision to absorb fully the water bills of all Ghanaians; a decision that was welcomed by the populace.

Addressing the nation on Thursday evening, President Akufo-Addo announced more measures being taken by government in the wake of the COVID-19.

He said as part of the measures, government would fully absorb the electricity bills for people who consumed zero to 50 kw/h of electricity for the periods of April, May and June.

He added further that, for residential and commercial users, government would absorb 50 per of the electricity bills using March 2020 as benchmark.

"Government will fully absorb electricity bills for the poorest of the poor, i.e. for all lifeline consumers, that is free electricity for persons who consume zero (0) to fifty (50) kilowatt hours a month for this period," he said.

"In addition, for all other consumers, residential and commercial, Government will absorb, again, fifty percent (50%) of your electricity bill for this period, using your March 2020 bill as your benchmark," he added.

The President explained that "if your electricity bill was GH¢100, you will pay only GH¢50, with government absorbing the remaining GH¢50."

He said the decision was to support industry, enterprises and the service sector, as well as provide some relief to households for lost income.

"Nevertheless, I urge all Ghanaians to exercise discipline in their use of water and electricity," he added.

Ghana has recorded 378 cases of the Coronavirus disease, with six deaths and four recoveries.