PUWU hoists red flags nationwide over gov’t plan to privatize ECG and NEDCo

Tension is mounting across the country as members of the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) step up opposition to government plans to introduce private sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

Red flags have been hoisted at all 92 district offices and 14 regional administrative centers nationwide in a bold and symbolic protest by PUWU members.

The action follows confirmation by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson that Cabinet has approved the controversial move.

At the headquarters of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and ECG, located at Electro Volta House in Accra, the agitation is visibly underway.

JoyNews correspondent James Avedzi reported that red cloths have been wrapped around signposts and banners displayed at the main entrance.

He indicated that security personnel on duty confirmed the early signs of protest, noting that more visible demonstrations, including the wearing of red armbands by workers, are expected to intensify from Monday, April 28.

Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, April 25, the Deputy General Secretary of PUWU, Reverend Enoch Paul Hayes, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, especially the lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement regarding the privatization process.

“Workers of ECG are not really happy with the way, especially the committee and the Ministry of Energy is handling this whole issue of the Private Sector Participation (PSP), which we believe that some stakeholders’ engagement from the beginning has been held and the whole of TUC being involved.

“We heard from an article from the Minister of Finance saying that the cabinet has already approved the PSP, which we believe, as workers and major stakeholders, does not go well with us, because the union and labour front – there supposed to be some level of engagement,” he said.

Rev Hayes criticised the process for sidelining key stakeholders like the union and broader labour front, accusing the ministry of working “behind closed doors.”

“We’re sounding a caution. This is the hoisting of the red flag, and we are saying that they should be tread very cautiously because why are we in a haste? What is the hurry for? Why are we trying to do things under the carpet? If we really want to do something better for the country, and then for the energy sector, everything should be open, everything should be clear,” he added.

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