‘It’s knee-jerk reaction’ – Titus Glover slams directive for GRIDCo CEO to step aside

Former Greater Accra Regional Minister and Tema East Member of Parliament, Titus Glover, has strongly criticised a directive issued by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, instructing the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited, Ing. Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside from his role.

Mr. Glover described the decision as a “knee-jerk reaction,” questioning the timing and rationale behind the directive, particularly as investigations into the recent fire outbreak at the Akosombo Substation are still ongoing.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, he expressed concern over what he perceives as a premature move by the Energy Ministry. According to him, the CEO is nearing retirement and is expected to proceed on leave ahead of his pension in June, raising questions about the necessity of asking him to step aside at this stage.

Mr. Glover argued that authorities should prioritise addressing the root causes of the incident rather than making leadership changes without conclusive findings. From his perspective, the fire incident appears to have been accidental.

“From a layman’s point of view, the fire outbreak at Akosombo was an accident, and efforts are underway to resolve the issue,” he stated. “If there is clear evidence of sabotage or wrongdoing, then those responsible should be held accountable. However, decisions should not be based on speculation or unverified claims.”

The fire, which significantly damaged critical infrastructure at the substation, resulted in widespread power outages across several parts of Ghana. The situation also forced authorities to temporarily shut down operations at the Akosombo Dam, a key source of electricity generation in the country.

Officials have indicated that investigations are still in progress to determine the exact cause of the fire and to assess the full extent of the damage. The directive for the GRIDCo CEO to step aside, according to the Energy Ministry, is intended to ensure transparency and allow for an independent investigation process.

In a related development, there has been a leadership reshuffle within the Ashanti Regional branch of the Electricity Company of Ghana. The move is part of broader efforts by authorities to improve operational efficiency and strengthen power distribution systems amid ongoing challenges in the energy sector.

Despite these actions, Mr. Glover remains sceptical about the effectiveness of leadership changes alone in resolving the crisis. He questioned whether those being removed from their positions are directly responsible for the issues facing the sector.

“Why can’t we focus on addressing the real problem?” he asked. “Are the individuals being dismissed truly the cause of the situation? I believe we need a clearer understanding and more education on this matter.”

His comments add to the growing public debate surrounding accountability, crisis management, and decision-making within Ghana’s energy sector, particularly in the wake of disruptions that have affected businesses and households nationwide.