End political interference in ECG operations – Workers
The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) has demanded an end to the political interference in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The management must be given the free hand to operate, to transform the company and improve the quality of service to power consumers.
Mr. Ato Kwamena Bondzi-Quaye, General Secretary, made the call at the 10th quadrennial delegates’ congress of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Kumasi.
“Building workers power for decent work and national development” was the theme chosen for the event.
He insisted that the (ECG) was not to be blamed for the current operational inefficiencies and asked that it should be adequately resourced.
Mr. Bondzi-Quaye condemned the proposed privatization of the company by the government through concession agreement and said this was not in the nation’s interest.
Ghana should refuse to be enticed by the US$498.2 million to let go such national asset.
The consequences, he added, would be “very grave” as power consumers were going to suffer and there would also be adverse effect on labour.
“If Ghanaians are crying over tariffs now that the company is wholly owned by government, what would happen when a private entity takes over”, he questioned.
He dismissed the assurance by the government that the workforce would be retained for the first five years and said it was critical for all stakeholders to reject the deal.
Source: GNA