The Public Utility Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress has officially
declared its support for the Energy and Green Transition Minister, Dr. John
Abdulai Jinapor, over his planned reforms of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
The union described the move as critical and long overdue, especially
considering the challenges facing the country’s power distribution sector.
In a statement issued on April 2, the union praised the minister’s
initiative and backed the formation of a special committee to examine the best
way forward for the struggling ECG. The committee was set up to investigate and
recommend solutions that will help transform ECG into a more efficient and
reliable institution.
The statement, signed by PUWU’s General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, emphasized
the union’s faith in the minister’s leadership and vision. PUWU noted that
since Dr. Jinapor assumed office, he has shown a clear interest in solving
long-standing problems in the energy sector. The union confirmed that they,
along with the Trades Union Congress, had already presented a Position Paper to
the ministry, highlighting ECG’s major issues and offering solutions that do
not involve privatization.
The union's statement further disclosed that key issues raised in the paper
included flawed procurement processes and continuous political interference in
ECG’s daily operations. According to PUWU, these two areas have caused massive
setbacks and inefficiencies within the company. The union added that it was not
shocked when the ministerial committee confirmed serious procurement breaches and
poor accountability in ECG’s dealings.
One of the specific problems brought up was the mystery surrounding
containers left at the ports. These containers, which were expected to carry
essential materials and equipment for ECG operations, have been left unattended,
leading to high demurrage charges. The union revealed that it had consistently
questioned ECG’s top management over this matter but had received no clear
response. The failure to address these concerns has led to growing frustrations
among workers and stakeholders.
PUWU also proposed practical changes to the company’s procurement system to
prevent such issues from happening again. They suggested that ECG sign
contracts directly with suppliers who are capable of delivering goods straight
to their designated destinations. This, they believe, would eliminate avoidable
delays, reduce demurrage costs, and ensure more efficient project execution.
In addition to procurement concerns, the union reiterated its commitment to
help the committee find the missing containers and ensure that anyone
responsible for the losses is held accountable. PUWU said it is ready to
support all efforts that promote transparency and efficiency in ECG’s
operations. They stressed that the workers of ECG want reforms that will improve
the company, not policies that may lead to job losses or a shift to private
ownership.
The union’s strong backing of the minister’s agenda shows a new level of
cooperation between government officials and labor representatives. This
collaboration is seen as an important step towards fixing the long-standing
issues that have plagued ECG. PUWU believes that with the right changes and
commitment from leadership, the company can recover from its current
difficulties and become a trusted power distributor once again.
Over the years, the ECG has faced public criticism for its inefficiencies,
unreliable power supply, and billing errors. Many Ghanaians have complained
about the poor quality of service despite the huge investments in the sector.
With these new reforms on the table, both government and labor are hoping that
ECG will be reshaped into a modern and dependable institution.
The Energy Ministry has not yet released a detailed plan on how the reforms
will be carried out, but the committee is expected to complete its work in the
coming weeks. The outcome of the investigations into the procurement
challenges, especially the issue of the missing containers, will play a major
role in shaping public opinion on the success of the reforms.
Meanwhile, PUWU has encouraged all ECG staff to remain focused and support
ongoing efforts to clean up the system. They are urging the public to be
patient as the reforms take shape, assuring them that the ultimate goal is to
build a better and more efficient electricity company that can meet the needs
of all Ghanaians.
The support from PUWU has brought new energy to the debate on how to fix
Ghana’s power distribution sector. It also sends a strong message that labor
unions are ready to cooperate with government when the interests of workers and
the public are protected. As reforms continue, all eyes will be on the ECG and
the Ministry of Energy to deliver the lasting solutions Ghanaians have long
demanded.
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