The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its weight behind efforts by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, to reform the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), describing the move as timely and necessary.
In a statement dated April 2, PUWU expressed confidence in the Minister’s commitment to improving service delivery in the power sector and welcomed the establishment of a ministerial committee tasked with exploring the best strategy for transforming ECG.
“This is why we welcomed the ministerial committee established by the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to explore the best approach for transforming ECG,” the Union stated.
Signed by General Secretary Timothy Nyame, the statement revealed that PUWU has been closely following developments at ECG since Dr. Jinapor’s appointment and had proactively submitted a joint Position Paper with the TUC to the Ministry.
The paper, according to the union, addressed major challenges at ECG and proposed solutions that did not involve privatising the utility company.
“Among the key concerns raised with the committee were procurement issues and excessive government interference in the company. Therefore, PUWU was not surprised when the Ministerial Investigative Committee uncovered significant procurement and clearing violations,” the statement read.
PUWU highlighted ongoing frustrations over the company’s procurement practices. It cited unanswered questions from top management regarding containers stuck at ports, resulting in unnecessary demurrage costs.
“We have repeatedly sought clarification from top management about the procurement process, especially why containers purchased were allowed to remain at the port, incurring demurrage,” the Union said.
The workers’ union further recommended reforms in ECG’s procurement systems, urging management to prioritize direct delivery contracts with suppliers to eliminate delays and financial waste.
“We have suggested that top management enter into procurement agreements with suppliers who can deliver goods directly to the agreed locations,” it stated.
PUWU has pledged full support for the Committee’s ongoing efforts to locate the missing containers and ensure accountability for all those implicated.
The union’s endorsement of the Energy Ministry’s reform initiative signals a strong alliance between government and labor, both aiming to restore efficiency and credibility in Ghana’s power distribution sector.
