Senior staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA), along with members of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), staged a significant protest at the VRA headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The protest was held in opposition to a proposed merger between the VRA and the Bui Power Authority, a move the workers believe would undermine the future operations and stability of the VRA.
The draft bill, which is currently before Parliament, outlines plans to consolidate several key players in Ghana’s energy sector. In addition to merging the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, the bill also seeks to combine the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). Moreover, it proposes the creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority, which would separate the thermal plants operated by the VRA from the main body of the organization.
The proposed changes have sparked widespread concern among the staff of the VRA, who fear that the merger will negatively impact the organization’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively. The senior staff, along with the PSWU, argue that the VRA has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s energy infrastructure for decades, and any attempt to alter its structure could have far-reaching consequences.
During the protest, Theophilus Tetteh Ahia, Chairman of the VRA Senior Staff Association, spoke to Citi News, articulating the workers’ concerns and calling for the immediate withdrawal of the bill. Ahia emphasized that the VRA has a long history of successful operations, and any changes to its structure could disrupt its ability to provide reliable energy to the country.
“Our demand is just for the bill to be withdrawn for a peaceful existence. Because VRA has been established for all these years…The bill that has been laid in parliament should be withdrawn and that is all we are looking for,” Ahia stated, highlighting the deep-seated anxiety among VRA staff over the future of the organization.
Ahia went on to explain that the proposed merger, in their view, is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the VRA’s long-standing position in the energy sector. He noted that the staff are prepared to resist the bill in any way possible, including through continued protests and legal avenues if necessary. The protestors are determined to protect the VRA from what they see as a misguided attempt to restructure the energy sector.
“We will continue praying, seeking the face of God, and we will do everything possible to resist it,” Ahia added, stressing the workers’ resolve to oppose the bill and ensure the survival of the VRA in its current form.
The protest has drawn attention to the broader debate about the future of Ghana’s energy sector. The government has argued that the proposed mergers are necessary to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce redundancy within the sector. By consolidating the VRA with the Bui Power Authority and merging ECG with NEDCo, the government hopes to create a more cohesive energy landscape that can better serve the country’s growing power needs.
However, critics of the merger, including the VRA staff and their union, believe that such changes could lead to unintended consequences. They argue that the VRA has played a vital role in ensuring energy stability in Ghana and that dismantling or altering its structure could weaken its ability to fulfill its mandate. They also worry that the creation of a separate Thermal Power Authority would strip the VRA of one of its key assets, further undermining its operational capacity.
The concerns raised by the VRA staff are not only about the immediate impact of the merger but also about the long-term viability of the organization. They fear that the proposed changes could result in job losses, reduced operational capacity, and diminished influence within the broader energy sector. These fears have fueled the protests and galvanized workers to take a stand against the bill.
The protest at the VRA headquarters is the latest in a series of actions taken by the staff to express their opposition to the merger. In addition to the demonstrations, the workers have engaged in dialogue with government officials and stakeholders in an attempt to halt the bill’s progress. Despite these efforts, the bill remains under consideration in Parliament, and it is unclear how lawmakers will ultimately respond to the concerns raised by the VRA staff.
As the situation develops, the protestors remain firm in their demand for the complete withdrawal of the bill. They argue that any changes to the structure of the VRA should be carefully considered and that the government should engage in further consultations with stakeholders before moving forward with such a significant restructuring.
For now, the future of the VRA hangs in the balance, as the proposed merger continues to spark debate among workers, policymakers, and the public. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the VRA, the broader energy sector, and the country as a whole. The protest by the VRA senior staff and PSWU members highlights the critical importance of maintaining stability in Ghana’s energy infrastructure and ensuring that any changes are made with the best interests of all stakeholders in mind.
The protestors have made it clear that they will not back down until their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. As the government and Parliament continue to debate the future of the VRA, the workers remain united in their commitment to protecting the organization they have served for so many years.
