The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has criticised what it describes as a rushed attempt by government to steer the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) toward private sector participation (PSP), cautioning that such a move could derail an ongoing turnaround programme that is already producing positive results.
In a statement, the union said it was surprised by reports suggesting that government plans to appoint a transaction adviser to facilitate ECG’s transition into private sector participation, allegedly before Christmas.
PUWU-TUC noted that the move comes despite the existence of a reform programme currently being implemented by ECG management and staff, under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.
According to the union, the turnaround programme was developed after extensive consultations with the Minister for Energy and was deliberately structured to revive ECG through internal reforms rather than privatisation.
The roadmap, it said, includes specific targets and deliverables and was adopted with assurances that the company’s operations would be free from political interference.
“It therefore comes as a surprise that an announcement has been made about appointing a transaction adviser, even as the agreed programme is being diligently implemented,” the statement noted.
PUWU-TUC highlighted what it described as notable improvements achieved within the past five months through the commitment and discipline of ECG workers. These gains include enhanced revenue mobilisation, a significant reduction in system losses, and improved stability in power supply nationwide.
The union pointed out that these developments 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 acknowledgements, PUWU-TUC argued that ECG has shown it can recover and remain sustainable through local expertise, effective management, worker dedication and minimal political interference, without the need for a hurried shift into private ownership.
The union further questioned the rationale behind appointing a transaction adviser at this stage, describing the move as “premature and rushed,” and asking what transaction still requires advisory support when existing reforms are already addressing ECG’s challenges.
“We view this development as being driven by external interests seeking to take over a strategic national asset for the benefit of a few individuals, rather than the Ghanaian people,” the statement cautioned.
Emphasising that ECG remains a critical national asset, PUWU-TUC stressed that decisions regarding its future must follow due process, ensure transparency and involve broad stakeholder engagement.
The union has therefore called on government to suspend all steps toward private sector participation for now, allow the turnaround programme to be fully implemented, and subject its outcomes to objective assessment before considering alternative approaches.
PUWU-TUC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public interest, preserving jobs and supporting the delivery of reliable and affordable electricity to consumers across the country.
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