By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has kicked against what it describes as a hasty move by the government to push the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) toward private sector participation (PSP), warning that such a decision risks undermining an ongoing turnaround programme that is already yielding results.
In a statement issued and signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Timothy Nyame, the union states that it was taken aback by media reports suggesting the government’s intention to appoint a transaction adviser for the transition of ECG into PSP before Christmas, despite an existing reform programme being jointly implemented by ECG management and workers under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.
According to PUWU-TUC, the turnaround programme was the product of extensive engagements with the Energy Minister and was designed to revive ECG through internal reforms rather than privatisation.
The union noted that the roadmap, which includes clear deliverables, was agreed on the back of assurances of non-interference in the operations of the power distributor.
“It therefore comes as a surprise that an announcement has been made regarding the appointment of a transaction adviser, even as the agreed programme is being religiously followed,” a portion of the statement said.
The union highlighted what it described as significant gains made over the past five months through the commitment and discipline of ECG workers. These include improved revenue collection, a drastic reduction in system losses, and a stabilisation of power supply across the country.
PUWU-TUC pointed out that these improvements 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 for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdullai Jinapor.
Based on these developments, the union argued that ECG has demonstrated the capacity to recover and remain sustainable through local expertise, strong management support, worker commitment, and the absence of political interference, without the need for a rushed transfer of the utility into private hands.
The union further expressed concern that appointing a transaction adviser at this stage appears “premature and rushed,” questioning what transaction still requires advice when ongoing reforms are already addressing ECG’s challenges.
“We see this move as one influenced by external interests seeking to take control of a strategic national asset for the benefit of a few individuals, rather than in the interest of Ghanaians,” PUWU-TUC cautioned.
Reiterating that ECG is a strategic national asset, the union stressed that any decision on its future must be guided by due process, transparency, and broad stakeholder consultation.
It insisted that the agreed turnaround programme should be fully implemented, monitored, and objectively evaluated before any alternative options are considered.
PUWU-TUC has consequently called on the government to halt all actions toward private sector participation for now, allow the turnaround programme to run its full course, and subject its outcomes to proper evaluation in line with national energy distribution policy.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public interest, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity supply for Ghanaians.
Full statement below:
