‘Privatisation is not the answer’ – TUC, PUWU fight to keep ECG public

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Public Utility Workers' Union (PUWU) have strongly opposed the government's push for private sector involvement in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The unions argue that ECG, as a national asset, should not be privatized, citing past failures like the collapse of Ghana Airways and Ghana Telecom. They also highlight the risks of foreign profit repatriation, as seen with Vodafone’s acquisition of Ghana Telecom.

While acknowledging ECG’s challenges, such as political interference and inefficiencies, the unions believe these can be addressed through reforms rather than privatization.

They recommend depoliticizing management, improving procurement, ensuring timely bill payments, and implementing pricing reforms to strengthen ECG under public control.