Tensions are building across the country as members of the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) step up their resistance to government plans to allow private sector involvement in the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

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In a strong show of defiance, red flags have been raised at all 92 district branches and 14 regional offices, symbolizing the union’s rejection of the proposed move.

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This wave of protest follows confirmation by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson that Cabinet has endorsed the contentious plan.

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At Electro Volta House in Accra, which serves as the headquarters of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and ECG, the signs of unrest are clearly visible.

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JoyNews’ James Avedzi reported that red cloths have been tied around signposts and banners placed at the main entrance of the building.

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Security officials at the scene confirmed to him that the early stages of the demonstration were underway, with expectations that workers will escalate the protest from Monday, April 28, by wearing red armbands.

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In an interview with JoyNews on Friday, April 25, PUWU’s Deputy General Secretary, Reverend Enoch Paul Hayes, criticized the government's handling of the process, particularly the absence of transparency and stakeholder engagement.

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“Workers of ECG are not really happy with the way, especially the committee and the Ministry of Energy is handling this whole issue of the Private Sector Participation (PSP), which we believe that some stakeholders' engagement from the beginning has been held and the whole of TUC being involved.

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"We heard from an article from the Minister of Finance saying that the cabinet has already approved the PSP, which we believe, as workers and major stakeholders, does not go well with us, because the union and labour front - there supposed to be some level of engagement," he said.

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Rev. Hayes accused the ministry of sidelining the union and the wider labour movement, describing the process as being done “behind closed doors.”

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“We’re sounding a caution. This is the hoisting of the red flag, and we are saying that they should be tread very cautiously because why are we in a haste? What is the hurry for? Why are we trying to do things under the carpet? If we really want to do something better for the country, and then for the energy sector, everything should be open, everything should be clear,” he stated.

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