The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of TUC Ghana has opposed the government’s recent move to appoint a transaction advisor for the transition of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) into Private Sector Participation (PSP).
This announcement, which was made despite an ongoing turnaround programme agreed upon with the Ministry of Energy, has raised concerns among ECG workers and union members.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, December 23, the union expressed their surprise and displeasure at the government’s intention to appoint a transaction advisor ahead of the Christmas period.
The announcement comes despite an existing agreement with the Ministry of Energy, which involves a collaborative turnaround programme aimed at revitalising ECG through internal reforms, rather than privatisation.
PUWU-TUC outlined that the turnaround programme was the result of extensive consultations with the Ministry of Energy and aimed to improve the operations of ECG through internal management reforms.
The initiative, led by the union and ECG workers, was designed to enhance the utility company’s efficiency without resorting to privatisation.
This plan was presented as an alternative to the long-discussed privatisation of ECG, which had been a point of contention among various stakeholders.
According to the union, the Ministry of Energy had previously assured them that there would be no interference in the activities of ECG, and the deliverables set out in the turnaround agenda were accepted by all parties involved.
The programme has already shown promising results, including significant improvements in revenue collection, a drastic reduction in system losses, and stabilised power supply across the country.
These achievements, the union claims, have been acknowledged by senior government officials, including Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and Minister of Energy and Green Transition Hon. John Abdullai Jinapor.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the government’s announcement to appoint a transaction advisor for the privatisation of ECG has been met with strong opposition from PUWU-TUC.
The union expressed concerns that the decision was premature and unjustified, given the progress made under the current turnaround programme.
“We hereby wish to express our strong opposition to the move for the appointment of a transaction advisor as announced by the Minister for Energy,” the statement reads.
“Over the past five months, ECG workers have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, discipline, and dedication to this turnaround agenda. The gains we have achieved such as improved revenue collection, reduced system losses, and stabilized power supply prove that ECG can be revived and sustained through local expertise, worker commitment, and non-political interference.”
PUWU-TUC further argued that the government’s decision to move towards privatisation at this stage undermines the efforts of ECG workers and the success of the turnaround programme.
The union sees this move as an attempt by external interests to take control of a key national asset, potentially for the benefit of a few individuals, rather than for the good of Ghanaians.
“What transaction is there to advise on, which has not already been tackled by ECG Management?” PUWU-TUC asked. “We see the move for this appointment as a rushed decision influenced by external interests seeking to privatise a strategic national asset.”
PUWU-TUC has called on the government to halt all actions towards the privatisation of ECG at this stage.
The union insists that the agreed-upon turnaround programme should be allowed to run its full course, with the outcomes of the programme being thoroughly evaluated before any decisions are made about the company’s future.
“ECG is a strategic national asset, and any decision concerning its future must follow due process, transparency, and broad stakeholder consultation,” PUWU-TUC stressed.
“We demand that the turnaround programme be fully implemented, monitored, and objectively evaluated before any alternative options are considered.”
The union also emphasised that the future of ECG should align with national energy policy and the needs of Ghanaians. PUWU-TUC remains committed to protecting the public interest, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring that Ghana’s power supply remains reliable and affordable for all citizens.
PUWU-TUC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of ECG workers, the public, and the nation at large.
“PUWU-TUC remains committed to protecting public interest, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring reliable and affordable power supply for all Ghanaians,” the statement concluded.