The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has strongly opposed what it describes as a rushed government move to introduce private sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), warning that such a step could derail an ongoing reform programme that is already showing positive results.
In a statement, the union said it was surprised by reports suggesting that government intends to appoint a transaction adviser to facilitate a shift towards private sector participation, allegedly before the Christmas period. PUWU-TUC argued that the move comes despite the existence of a comprehensive turnaround programme currently being implemented by ECG management and workers under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.
According to the union, the reform programme was developed following extensive engagements with the Minister for Energy and was deliberately designed as an internal recovery plan rather than a privatisation pathway. The roadmap, PUWU said, focuses on strengthening ECG through operational discipline, improved revenue mobilisation and technical efficiency, backed by assurances of minimal political interference.
“It therefore comes as a surprise that an announcement has been made regarding the appointment of a transaction adviser, even as the agreed programme is being religiously followed,” the union stated.
PUWU-TUC said ECG workers have demonstrated strong commitment to the reform process over the past five months, resulting in measurable improvements across key performance indicators. Among the gains cited were increased revenue collection, a significant reduction in system losses and improved stability in electricity supply nationwide.
The union noted that these improvements have not gone unnoticed, pointing out that senior government officials have publicly acknowledged ECG’s progress. It cited comments made by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during the presentation of the 2026 Budget on November 13, 2025, as well as statements by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga in Parliament on November 27 and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdullai Jinapor.
PUWU-TUC argued that these acknowledgements reinforce its position that ECG is capable of recovery and long-term sustainability through local expertise, sound management support and worker discipline, without the need for a hurried transfer of operations into private hands.
The union questioned the rationale behind appointing a transaction adviser at this stage, describing the move as “premature and rushed”. It asked what transaction would still require advisory services when an agreed reform programme is actively addressing the utility’s long-standing challenges.
“We see this move as one influenced by external interests seeking to take control of a strategic national asset for the benefit of a few individuals, rather than in the interest of the Ghanaian people,” the statement warned.
PUWU-TUC stressed that ECG remains a critical national asset whose future must be handled with caution. It said any major structural change should be guided by due process, transparency and broad stakeholder consultation, rather than decisions taken under pressure or external influence.
The union insisted that the current turnaround programme must be allowed to run its full course and be subjected to objective monitoring and evaluation before alternative options, including private sector participation, are considered.
As a result, PUWU-TUC has called on government to halt all actions towards private sector participation for now and allow the reform agenda to be completed and assessed in line with Ghana’s national energy distribution policy.
Reaffirming its broader mandate, the union said it remains committed to protecting the public interest, safeguarding jobs within ECG and ensuring that Ghanaians continue to have access to reliable and affordable electricity.
The statement adds to the growing national debate over the future of ECG, as policymakers weigh the balance between reform, efficiency and public ownership in Ghana’s power distribution sector.