The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has opposed what it describes as a “hasty” attempt by government to move the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) into a Private Sector Participation (PSP) arrangement.
In a press statement sighted by Metro TV, the union said it had been alerted to media reports suggesting that government intends to appoint a transaction advisor for the PSP process “before Christmas,” a move it insists contradicts earlier assurances and ongoing reforms at ECG.
According to PUWU-TUC, the decision comes despite an agreed turnaround programme between the Ministry of Energy, ECG management and workers, led by the union, aimed at reviving the power distributor through internal reforms rather than privatisation.
“This program was the outcome of constructive engagements with the Minister of Energy and aimed at reviving ECG through internal reforms rather than privatization,” the statement said, adding that the Energy Minister had earlier given “assurance of non-interference in the activities of the Power Distributor.”
The union expressed shock at the reported decision, stating: “It comes as a surprise such an announcement of the appointment transactional advisor.”
PUWU-TUC argued that ECG workers have, over the past five months, demonstrated “an exceptional level of commitment, discipline, and dedication” to the turnaround agenda, yielding measurable results.
As a result of these efforts, the union said, “revenue collection has significantly improved,” “system losses have been drastically reduced,” and “power supply has been stabilized for the benefit of Ghanaians.”
It added that these gains have been publicly acknowledged by senior government officials, including Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during the presentation of the 2026 Budget on November 13, 2025, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga on the floor of Parliament on November 27, and the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdullai Jinapor.
The union questioned the need for a transaction advisor at this stage, asking: “What transaction is there to advice on which has not been tackled by ECG Management?”
PUWU-TUC warned that the move appears “premature and rushed,” and suggested it may be “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.”
Reiterating its position, the union stressed that “ECG is a strategic national asset,” and insisted that any decision about its future must be guided by “due process, transparency, and broad stakeholder consultation.”
“The agreed turnaround programme must be fully implemented, monitored, and objectively evaluated before any alternative options are considered,” the statement said.
PUWU-TUC is therefore calling on government to immediately “halt all actions toward PSP at this stage,” allow the turnaround programme “to run its full course,” and ensure that its outcomes are evaluated in line with national energy distribution policy.
Source: metrotvonline.com
