Power workers oppose planned private-sector participation in ECG and NEDCo
The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) has criticised the government’s decision to appoint a transaction adviser to facilitate private-sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). The union says the move amounts to a breach of the mutual trust and confidence that has characterised its engagements with the […]
The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) has vehemently opposed the government's decision to engage a transaction adviser for private-sector involvement in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). In a statement released on 3 August 2026, PUWU's General Secretary, Timothy Nyam, expressed the union's disapproval through a memo. The union believes their earlier proposal for private-sector participation in the two companies was not acknowledged by the government.
PUWU raised several issues concerning ECG and NEDCo in its position paper, which include political interference in management and procurement procedures, the appointment of non-technical board members, uncoordinated efforts under the Self-Help Electrification Programme, foreign exchange losses, and issues related to bulk customers' reclassification.
The union also expressed concerns over a lack of accountability and transparency throughout the energy supply chain. To address these problems, PUWU suggested solutions such as appointing competent boards of directors with clear performance targets, depoliticising management structures, and enhancing accountability in the energy sector.
However, the union strongly opposes privatisation, arguing that past efforts in Ghana and African countries have often exacerbated inefficiencies. Privatisation could lead to increased costs for consumers, reduced access to essential services, and undermine national sovereignty, employment, labour rights, and energy security. Consequently, PUWU is advocating for the maintenance of ECG and NEDCo under public ownership and control to guarantee affordable and equitable access to electricity, preserve national sovereignty, safeguard jobs, and support socio-economic development.
Rather than viewing privatisation as a quick-fix solution, PUWU calls for a comprehensive reform strategy to strengthen ECG and NEDCo. The union has pledged to employ every legitimate means to resist any attempts to transfer ownership or control of these strategic national assets to private interests. Despite its stance against privatisation, PUWU remains committed to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to revitalise the energy sector for the betterment of Ghana and its citizens.
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