The Staff Groups of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have announced their intention to petition President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo against a proposed merger plan that would significantly restructure the nation’s energy sector. The proposal aims to merge the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, combine the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and establish an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA’s thermal plants.
The staff groups, represented by the Senior Staff Association of the VRA, have expressed strong opposition to the proposed merger, labeling it an attempt to privatize state assets under the guise of efficiency. They argue that the merger could lead to the leasing of these important national assets to private interests or cronies, potentially undermining the nation’s energy sovereignty.
Theophilus Tetteh Ahia, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of the VRA, emphasized in an interview with Citi News that the groups are prepared to use all legal means to prevent the merger from taking place. He stressed that as Ghanaians and major stakeholders in the nation’s energy sector, they have a responsibility to ensure that the country’s interests are not compromised.
“We are Ghanaians, and we are major stakeholders in this. We are going to use all legitimate forces within our means and all the legal processes available to ensure that Ghanaians are not shortchanged,” Ahia stated. “We cannot fold our hands and allow anything Ghana to be sold to the highest bidder. We are going to resist this merger.”
The Senior Staff Association plans to garner support from other key stakeholders, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC). According to Ahia, initial inquiries suggest that the TUC was not consulted about the proposed merger, which further fuels concerns about the transparency and inclusivity of the decision-making process.
“We are coming out to petition the TUC because the little information we have is that they have also not been consulted. We are going to petition the President to tell him that we think this issue is not in the best interest of Ghanaians,” he added.
Ahia further clarified that the staff groups are not merely opposed to the merger but are particularly against the perceived lack of consultation and transparency surrounding the proposal. The groups believe that the government should involve all relevant stakeholders in any discussions that could affect the future of the nation’s energy sector.
The VRA staff argue that merging the authority with the Bui Power Authority and other entities could lead to inefficiencies and compromise the operational independence that is crucial for effective energy management. They are concerned that this restructuring could result in job losses, increased electricity tariffs, and diminished accountability in the management of the country’s energy resources.
Additionally, the staff groups are wary of the creation of an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA’s thermal plants, which they view as a move to privatize a critical part of the nation’s energy infrastructure. They fear that such privatization could lead to the prioritization of profit over national interest, with potentially adverse effects on the reliability and affordability of electricity supply in Ghana.
The petition to President Akufo-Addo will not only seek to halt the proposed merger but also call for a comprehensive dialogue on the future of the nation’s energy sector. The staff groups are advocating for a more transparent and participatory approach to any reforms, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders, including employees, unions, and civil society groups, are heard.
The VRA staff’s opposition to the merger reflects broader concerns within Ghana about the potential privatization of state assets and the need for a transparent decision-making process in matters of national importance. They argue that any moves to restructure the nation’s energy sector should prioritize the public interest and the long-term sustainability of the country’s energy supply.
The proposed merger has sparked significant debate in Ghana, with various stakeholders weighing in on the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move. While some proponents argue that merging entities could lead to greater efficiency and streamlined operations, opponents, including the VRA staff, warn that it could lead to unintended consequences, including reduced government control over critical infrastructure.
The Senior Staff Association’s decision to petition President Akufo-Addo reflects their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s energy assets and ensuring that any changes to the sector are made in a transparent, inclusive, and equitable manner. The outcome of their petition and any subsequent discussions will likely shape the future of Ghana’s energy sector in the years to come.
As the debate over the proposed merger continues, the VRA staff groups remain resolute in their stance, determined to use every legal avenue available to prevent what they see as a potentially detrimental move for the country’s energy sector and its people.
