Gov’t, PUWU meet today over proposed private-sector role in ECG, NEDCo

On Monday, September 28, 2026, the government convened a meeting with the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) to discuss the potential introduction of private-sector participation in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). The union expressed concerns over the proposal, arguing that the company can improve its financial and operational performance with continued government support.

PUWU has also announced plans for public protests against the proposed arrangement, suggesting that additional state investment could remedy the challenges faced by ECG without involving private operators.

Government officials, however, emphasized the importance of allowing all options to be assessed before making a final decision. The transaction adviser overseeing the proposed private-sector participation is tasked with engaging workers and other stakeholders throughout the assessment. Feedback from the consultations, which will encompass the perspectives of workers, civil society organizations, Parliament, customers, and industry, will guide the government's evaluation of the proposed reforms and alternative options for enhancing the utilities.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, acknowledged the union's concerns and assured that the union would remain involved throughout the process. He reiterated the government's commitment to keeping the PUWU engaged, stating that they would not be excluded from the process. Gyan-Mensah also highlighted the government's openness to examining the improvements reported by ECG workers in revenue mobilisation and considering the argument that additional state investment could render private-sector participation unnecessary. He emphasized that the government has not yet exhausted all avenues before finalizing its position.