The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) is urging all staff to remain calm as the government initiates steps to privatize some operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
This call follows a growing tension among ECG staff and other utility workers who have expressed disapproval of the government’s efforts to promote private sector involvement.
Minister for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor at his vetting disclosed his preference for a privatized ECG to enhance the operations of the company grappling with a wide range of inefficiencies.
This intention has been translated into action by the Minister. Within days of assuming office, a technical committee has been established to draft a framework for the government’s consideration. The committee has been mandated to propose the best privatization options to the government.
But PUWU is crying foul of this move by the Minister. Among several concerns, PUWU said the minister failed to engage them in the decision to form the technical committee as well as other processes involved in the purported privatization.
“We would like to assure our members of our resolve to resist any attempt by the government to privatize ECG. PUWU has not yet been engaged as a key stakeholder,” a statement released by the leadership of PUWU reiterated.
With the latest development, the workers’ leadership is calling on all members who might be appalled by the formation of a committee to remain calm. PUWU assures that it is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the agenda of the government does not see the light of day.
“Members are kindly requested to remain calm while we take appropriate steps towards achieving our goal,” the statement noted.
It is, however, unclear the next line of action of PUWU as the statement urged all members to “be on standby for any further direction.”
The ECG, tasked with distributing electricity to millions of households and businesses, has faced perennial challenges, including high technical and commercial losses, debt accumulation, and inefficiencies in service delivery.
Reforming the company is considered critical to the country’s energy security and economic growth. However, privatization efforts often draw skepticism, with many fearing that such moves could lead to higher consumer tariffs or unfavorable arrangements prioritizing private profits over public interest.
But the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP) has welcomed the privatization agenda. The center said it is the best way to ensure that the company with too many challenges becomes efficient. However, ACEP wants the process to be transparent and fair.
