The Volta River Authority (VRA) Senior Staff are raising strong objections to the government’s proposal to merge their operations with the Bui Power Authority (BPA) to form the Ghana Hydro Authority.
In a detailed petition addressed to key government figures, including the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament, the Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the Divisional Union of Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of TUC (Ghana) argue that this merger poses serious risks—ranging from the loss of VRA’s historic identity to significant financial instability.
The petition challenges the rationale behind the merger, particularly the claim that it would improve operational efficiency. VRA’s hydroelectric plants are already internationally recognized for their performance, consistently exceeding global standards. With an impressive 95% availability factor, 98% reliability factor, and a forced outage rate of less than 1%, VRA ranks among the top hydro plants globally, according to benchmarks set by the Electricity Utility Cost Group (EUCG).
Workers argue that merging with BPA would bring no real operational improvements. Instead, they warn that combining the two entities could stifle innovation and reduce the healthy competition that has driven both organizations to maintain high performance standards.
Another critical concern is the potential over-reliance on hydroelectric power at a time when climate change poses increasing risks. Ghana has already experienced multiple drought-induced power crises, most notably in 1983, 1998, 2007, and between 2010 and 2016, when low water levels severely hampered hydroelectric generation. The workers argue that consolidating all hydro assets under one authority would make the power sector even more vulnerable to fluctuating water levels as climate change intensifies.
Moreover, unresolved financial challenges add to the workers’ objections. The VRA is owed substantial debts by key partners, including more than GHS 2 billion from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and USD 250 million from the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). The workers question how a merger would resolve these debts, warning that it could instead worsen financial strain on the sector.
Also of concern is the potential erasure of the Volta River Authority’s rich legacy. Established in 1961 by Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, the VRA has been a symbol of the country’s industrial ambition and self-reliance. The petition emphasizes that the name “Volta River Authority” is not just a label, but a “brand and an intangible asset, a goodwill nurtured for over 63 years.”
The workers are alarmed that the merger with BPA, which would result in the creation of the Ghana Hydro Authority, could erase this iconic name, undermining a vital part of Ghana’s industrial history and national identity.
In their petition, VRA workers urge the government to reconsider the merger proposal, emphasizing that it threatens to undermine both the legacy and financial stability of one of Ghana’s most vital public institutions.
Junior staff are equally opposed to the merger and have hoisted red flags at their offices throughout the country.
