The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has firmly opposed the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), warning that such a move could result in massive job losses and steep hikes in electricity tariffs.
At a press conference held during the Annual National Executive Council meeting of the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU), TUC Secretary General Joshua Ansah challenged the narrative that ECG’s inefficiencies are solely rooted at the retail level. He described this view as “disingenuous,” pointing instead to deeper systemic challenges that require urgent attention.
Mr. Ansah highlighted several major concerns plaguing ECG’s operations. Among them are the financial burdens caused by take-or-pay power contracts and the uncoordinated procurement of excess generating capacity. He also cited persistent revenue collection issues stemming from metering challenges, including unregistered meters, politically installed meters from the Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP), and instances of multiple meters in single locations.
He further criticized the Ministry of Energy’s installation of over 100,000 post-paid meters annually in ECG’s operational zones often without ECG’s knowledge saying the practice worsens both technical and commercial losses.
In addition to technical hurdles, the TUC blamed excessive political interference in ECG’s management for the company’s underperformance. Frequent changes in managing directors and the manipulation of procurement processes, according to Mr. Ansah, have disrupted operations and undermined long-term planning.
Given these challenges, the TUC is calling on the government to abandon any plans to involve the private sector in ECG or the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO). The Union insists these entities are strategic national assets essential for Ghana’s economic development, energy security, and social equity.
The TUC maintains that insulating ECG from political influence and ensuring stable, professional leadership are crucial steps toward restoring the company’s operational efficiency and financial health.
Source: Edyspromotions.com
