Energy Minister Welcomes New EDSA Director General, Expresses Confidence in Reforms

By: Austine Luseni Communications Specialist, Ministry of Energy

Freetown, Monday, February 2, 2026 the Minister of Energy, Mr. Cyril Arnold Grant, has formally received and welcomed Mr. George Taylor as the new Director General of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), describing his appointment as timely and critical to the Authority’s ongoing reform agenda. Speaking during the introduction ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Energy in Freetown, Minister Grant said Mr. Taylor was assuming office at a pivotal moment in EDSA’s history, particularly as the utility prepares to enter into a concession arrangement in the coming months.

“George is here, and he is here riding on the crest of a highly respected background. At the Ministry of Energy, we have examined his credentials thoroughly, and we are highly impressed,” the Minister stated. He emphasized that EDSA requires decisive and visionary leadership to harness the current reform momentum and drive institutional transformation. “EDSA will go into concession in a few months’ time, and we need a Director General who can seize this historical moment and provide the much-needed leadership for transformation,” he added.

Minister Grant noted that Mr. Taylor brings with him extensive experience from the banking sector, where he previously led and oversaw significant institutional and sectoral reforms. He expressed optimism that such experience would be invaluable in addressing EDSA’s persistent operational and financial challenges. According to the Minister, the new Director General is taking office at a time when EDSA faces a range of daunting issues, including staff concerns, revenue leakages, and financial sustainability constraints. He further disclosed that Mr. Taylor successfully went through a rigorous recruitment and vetting process, stressing the need for stability at the utility.

“Since 2018, EDSA has had six Directors General. This level of turnover is not healthy for an institution of its size and importance,” Minister Grant observed. Describing EDSA as one of the largest public institutions in the country in terms of revenue potential, the Minister underscored the need for firm control, improved revenue collection, and better working conditions for staff. “We cannot allow EDSA to roll in the dust or darkness. We must restore proper control, increase its revenue base, and improve the lives of its employees,” he emphasized.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the EDSA Board, Ing. Andrew Kailie, said the appointment of Mr. Taylor followed a thorough interview process conducted by the Board, which found him suitably qualified for the position. He assured the new Director General of the Board’s full support while reminding him of the enormity of the task ahead. “The responsibility before you is enormous, but you can count on the Board’s cooperation and support as we work collectively to reposition EDSA,” Ing. Kailie stated.

The Outgoing Acting Director General, Mr. Tesman Egbe, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for the support and guidance he received during his tenure. He highlighted what he described as unprecedented gains achieved under his leadership and wished his successor success. In his response, the new Director General, Mr. George Taylor, acknowledged the challenging nature of his assignment, noting that the utility is currently confronted with serious operational realities. “Things are not too rosy at EDSA,” he admitted, “but I am fully committed to giving my utmost best to lead this institution and to drive the reforms expected of us.”

Mr. Taylor stressed the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect, noting that sustainable reforms can only be achieved through collective effort. As the energy sector remains central to the Government’s Feed Salone Agenda, stakeholders expressed renewed optimism that the leadership transition at EDSA will further consolidate recent gains and accelerate reforms aimed at improving electricity distribution and supply nationwide.

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