Stakeholders within the energy sector have stated that the concerns of VRA staff about job security and potential layoffs in the event of privatization are valid and must be addressed with empathy and strategic foresight.
They however, note that privatization need not mean widespread job losses. Instead, rather it can be framed as an opportunity for upskilling and professional growth within a modernized power sector.
This comes as some members of the Senior Staff Association of the Volta River Authority (VRA) earlier this year, expressed concerns over what they describe as unfair payments allocated to state-owned enterprises in the energy value chain. The staff believe that it is time to review the agreement as the IPPs generated less than one-third of what the Volta River Authority generates for the system.
Commenting on the issue, power systems economist, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor highlights that some measures must be set to address the concerns of staff.
“A transparent, consultative process should be initiated involving VRA management, government representatives, labor unions, and staff. This dialogue would aim to address concerns, outline the benefits of privatization, and ensure that workers’ rights are protected. As part of the privatization deal, a clause could be included to mandate retraining and upskilling programs for existing staff. Modernized plants will require technically skilled workers to operate more advanced systems, creating opportunities for VRA staff to enhance their skills and remain relevant in a dynamic energy industry,” he said.
He also calls for job transition guarantees, stating, “A phased privatization process could include job transition guarantees where, for a specific period, all current staff are retained, and severance packages are negotiated for those who may eventually leave. The government can include local content provisions in the privatization agreements, ensuring that a significant portion of the workforce remains Ghanaian. Additionally, employee welfare considerations such as pensions, healthcare, and fair compensation should be protected under the privatization framework,” he added.
