ECG Private Sector Participation: PUWU Opposes Appointment of Transaction Advisor

The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC)-Ghana has opposed the government’s decision to appoint a Transaction Advisor to facilitate Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the operations of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

In a press release issued on August 3, 2026, PUWU expressed disappointment that the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition proceeded with the appointment without first engaging organised labour, despite earlier assurances that consultations would take place before any major decision was made.

According to the union, the government had informed the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) that the Ministry would lead a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process on the proposed ECG Private Sector Participation initiative before the appointment of a Transaction Advisor.

PUWU said it was therefore surprised that the Ministry moved ahead with the appointment without fulfilling that commitment or adequately involving key stakeholders, particularly workers within the electricity distribution sector.

The union further stated that previous engagements between government and workers had created the expectation that organised labour would be consulted on any major policy direction affecting ECG and NEDCo.

PUWU described the latest development as unfortunate, questioning why the concerns and perspectives of workers, who play a critical role in the operations of the power distribution companies, had not been fully considered.

The union reiterated its long-standing position against attempts to privatise ECG and NEDCo, arguing that the challenges facing the companies can be addressed through internal reforms rather than transferring management responsibilities to private entities.

PUWU said it has consistently advocated reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and service delivery within the electricity sector.

The proposed measures include strengthening revenue mobilisation, expanding the use of technology, improving procurement systems, enforcing financial discipline, investing in network expansion, developing staff capacity, and enhancing accountability mechanisms.

According to PUWU, these interventions would help resolve the operational difficulties facing ECG and NEDCo while maintaining public ownership and control of the country’s electricity distribution infrastructure.

The union argued that the government has not provided sufficient evidence to prove that private sector participation would produce better results compared to comprehensive reforms led by workers and management.

PUWU has therefore called on the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to suspend the Transaction Advisor appointment process and begin broader consultations with organised labour and other relevant stakeholders before proceeding with any decision concerning the ECG Private Sector Participation agenda.

PRESS RELEASE -APPOINTMENT OF TRANSACTION ADVISOR TO FACILITATE PSP IN ECG