Staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd. (ECG), have intensified their protests again government’s plan to privatise the operations of the Company.
The staff union, under the Public Utility
Workers Union of TUC (PUWU-TUC) in its latest protest has hoisted red flags across all operational offices of the Company to express its strong opposition to government’s intention to appoint a transaction advisor for the transition of ECG into Private Sector Participation (PSP).
This action follows an earlier press release from PUWU-TUC, in which it revealed that it is currently leading an ongoing turnaround programme with the Ministry of Energy, Management and Workers of ECG.
This programme, according to PUWU-TUC, is the
outcome of direct engagements with the Minister of Energy.
Speaking to the media, the General Secretary for PUWU-TUC, Timothy Nyame noted that the hoisting of red flags signifies the beginning of a series of staff actions planned to insist on PUWU’s position that ECG can be revived through internal reforms rather than
privatisation.
He revealed that in fulfilment of the turn-around programme, ECG workers have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, discipline, and dedication.
“These commitments have resulted in a record 90% improvement in revenue; drastic reduction of
system losses and stable power supply for the benefit of Ghanaians,” he pointed out.
Mr. Nyame expressed PUWU–TUC’s deep concerns over the appointment of a Special Adviser, describing it as a premature and rushed decision.
“We see the move for this appointment as a move influenced by external interests seeking to take control of a strategic national asset for the benefit of a few individuals, rather than the interest of Ghanaians”, he added. PUWU-TUC is urging government to immediately halt all actions toward privatisation, allow the turnaround programme agreed with the Ministry of Energy, Management and Workers of ECG to run its full course and the outcomes of this programme should be
evaluated and streamlined to agree with national policy in energy distribution in Ghana.
The Staff union says it remains committed to protecting public interest, safeguarding jobs,
and ensuring reliable and affordable power supply for all Ghanaians.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak