Tension is escalating nationwide as the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) intensifies its opposition to the government's decision to introduce private sector involvement in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
In a coordinated and symbolic protest, red flags have been raised at all 92 district offices and 14 regional administrative centers across the country. This move comes in the wake of an announcement by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, confirming Cabinet’s approval of the controversial privatization initiative.
Visible signs of unrest have emerged at Electro Volta House in Accra, the headquarters of both the Volta River Authority (VRA) and ECG. According to reports, red cloths have been draped around signposts, and protest banners have been displayed at the facility’s main entrance. Security personnel have also confirmed early signs of demonstrations, with the protest expected to intensify from Monday, April 28, including workers donning red armbands.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, April 25, PUWU Deputy General Secretary, Reverend Enoch Paul Hayes, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the process. He criticized the lack of transparency and meaningful stakeholder engagement, particularly by the Ministry of Energy and the committee overseeing the privatization efforts.
"ECG workers are not pleased with how the Ministry and the committee are managing this issue. While we acknowledge some initial engagements, the broader labour front, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has largely been excluded," Rev. Hayes stated. "Learning through a news article that Cabinet has already approved the plan is unacceptable to us as key stakeholders. We expected to be consulted before such decisions were finalized."
Rev. Hayes further condemned the process for sidelining the union and other relevant parties, alleging that critical decisions are being made behind closed doors.
"This protest is our warning signal. The red flags represent our call for caution. Why the rush? Why the secrecy? If the government truly seeks a sustainable solution for the energy sector, the process must be transparent and inclusive," he emphasized.
PUWU’s protest underscores the growing discontent among workers and raises questions about the potential implications of privatizing essential public utilities without broad consensus.
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