The Public Utilities Workers’ Union (PUWU) has pushed back strongly against any plans to privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The union says it will not accept any move to hand over the state power distributor to private companies.
Speaking during the International Workers’ Day celebrations, PUWU’s General Secretary, Timothy Nyame, praised workers for their hard work and dedication.
The event was held under the theme “Unity and Resilience Defending Public Utilities and Workers’ Rights.”
He especially commended ECG staff for keeping the lights on across the country, even when facing difficult conditions. According to him, their efforts are very important to Ghana’s growth and development.
He also pointed out that ECG has made some improvements internally. He said a strategy introduced in 2025 helped increase the company’s monthly revenue from about GH¢9 million to nearly GH¢2 billion.
At the same time, system losses were reduced and electricity supply became more stable. In his view, this proves that a state-owned company can perform well without being privatised.
However, he expressed concern about pressure from international bodies like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which he says are pushing for ECG to be privatised.
Mr Nyame warned that any attempt to bring in more private control or break up ECG would go against earlier assurances by John Dramani Mahama that the company would remain publicly owned.
He stressed that electricity is an essential service and should stay in the hands of the state. According to him, privatisation could reduce accountability and limit national control over such an important sector.
He also noted that private companies are already involved in some parts of the electricity sector, such as power generation and services like billing and meter reading.
Finally, he called on workers to stay united and alert to protect ECG. He believes a strong, united public utility will serve Ghana better than one that is divided or controlled by private interests.
