The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) of TUC – Ghana has issued a stern warning against the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), calling it a dangerous move that risks worsening the already fragile energy sector.
The union has urged the government to prioritize sustainable and inclusive solutions to address the crippling challenges facing the country’s power sector.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, PUWU firmly rejected any attempts to privatize ECG, emphasizing that past efforts to introduce private sector participation have been disastrous failures. PUWU also cautioned the government to avoid falling prey to hidden agendas that could lead to the exploitation of Ghana’s energy resources and further financial burdens on citizens.
“We vividly recall the engagements with the previous NDC administration regarding the issues of the Power Distributor, ECG. PUWU wishes to strongly reaffirm its position on ECG privatization and management, as we believe this path will only deepen inefficiencies and hurt Ghanaians,” the statement declared.
Concerns Over Politicization and High Costs
PUWU highlighted the heavily politicized nature of ECG’s management, warning that the current structure has led to crippling inefficiencies and skyrocketing costs, which are ultimately passed on to already struggling Ghanaians. The union described this trend as untenable, stating that any move to privatize ECG would further erode trust and worsen Ghana’s energy crisis.
PUWU also exposed the persistent dangers of allowing vested interests to dominate the sector, accusing some groups of rebranding failed privatization attempts under the guise of reforms. “These actors have resurfaced with renewed agendas to exploit the energy sector for personal gain. This is a serious threat to the public interest and must be stopped immediately,” the union stressed.
Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions
Despite its staunch opposition to privatization, PUWU reiterated its willingness to work closely with the Mahama administration to tackle the complex and deep-seated challenges facing the ECG and the broader energy sector. The union expressed urgent concern over the need for transparent and inclusive solutions, noting that privatization would only be a short-sighted and damaging approach.
“As the union with membership mainly in the Utilities and Housing sectors of the country, we are ready to collaborate with the government in finding real, lasting solutions to the energy, housing, and water situations at an affordable cost to Ghanaians,” PUWU assured.
Advocacy for Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
The union also condemned the lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement in previous energy sector reforms, labeling them as reckless and irresponsible attempts to dictate policy without meaningful consultation. PUWU urged the government to ensure that credible, data-driven policies are developed to restore efficiency and affordability in the energy sector.
The Public Utility Workers’ Union has made it abundantly clear that privatization is not the answer to ECG’s challenges. PUWU is calling for a radical shift in focus toward improving management efficiency, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring affordable electricity for all Ghanaians.
The union warned that failure to address these pressing issues responsibly could result in dire consequences for the country’s energy sector and its citizens.
