Workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have begun a nationwide protest against the government’s decision to appoint a transaction advisor for the power distributor, warning that the move could threaten the future of the state-owned utility.
The protest, led by the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU), is being carried out through the hoisting of red flags and the wearing of red bands at ECG offices across the country. Union leaders say the action is symbolic but could escalate if government fails to suspend the appointment.
Nearly a week after PUWU formally raised concerns and requested dialogue with the Ministry of Energy, the Union says it has received no response.
Speaking to the media, PUWU General Secretary Timothy Nyame stressed that while workers remain committed to ECG’s effective operation, they are firmly opposed to the appointment of a transaction advisor.
“We are saying again and again that ECG is not an ordinary institution. It is a national strategic asset that should not be compromised,” Mr. Nyame said. “People may come with sugar-coated words in the name of transforming the company, but the President has the power to appoint and also to disappoint anyone he appoints, and he can exercise that power.”
He warned that workers’ agitation could intensify if their concerns are ignored.
“The red bands you are seeing represent our displeasure with government’s move to introduce private sector participation in ECG,” he said. “The first step is the appointment of a transaction advisor, which we strongly oppose. ECG has been left in the hands of Ghanaians and it is operating, so why do we need a transaction advisor?” He asked.
Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has joined the call for government to halt the appointment, citing concerns about industrial harmony and job security.
Deputy Secretary General of the TUC, Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, cautioned that the move could disrupt the country’s industrial peace.
“At this point in time, when progress is being made, we do not think it is necessary to disrupt that progress and hand over ECG to a private foreign concessionaire,” Dr. Otoo said. “Workers are worried about their job security. They have seen how privatization in this country has destroyed jobs without delivering the promised investment and technology.”
The TUC reiterated its long-standing opposition to the privatization of state-owned utilities and questioned whether the appointment of a transaction advisor is linked to Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Dr. Otoo argued that Ghana should chart an independent economic path.
“The IMF was not voted into power in Ghana,” he said. “It is expected to leave by April 2026, and we will be very happy if it does. When the previous government indicated its intention to go to the IMF, we issued a statement opposing it. It was a sad day in our history.”
He added that recent economic improvements show Ghana’s capacity to manage its own affairs.
“Things are improving. We should demonstrate to the world that we are capable of managing our own affairs. The IMF must leave in April,” he said.
For now, ECG workers say the red-band protest will continue nationwide until government addresses their concerns and suspends the appointment of the transaction advisor.
By Daniel Opoku
