VRA Staff Association accuses Gov't of attempting to privatize thermal assets

Accra, Ghana - October 17, 2024 - The Senior Staff Association of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has made shocking allegations against the government, claiming it's attempting to sell off thermal assets to private investors and politicians through proposed energy bills.

The bills aim to merge the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG), Bui Power Authority, Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO), and the VRA into two separate entities.

Theophilus Tetteh Ahia, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of the VRA, urged parliament members to reject the bills, emphasizing they don't serve Ghana's interest. "The merger isn't in the country's best interest.  As we are all aware, ECG is facing challenges and is not able to make payments,'' Ahia stated.

“As we speak today, ECG’s indebtedness to the VRA is over GH¢2 billion and that of the IPPs is over $1.5 billion, and so how can we achieve the objective as it is being espoused in the bills that we are bringing efficiency and reducing the cost of electricity and also reducing the government’s financing of this sector?

“We are saying that is not the true objective. The real objective is the separation of the VRA thermal asset and eventual sale to private persons.”

Ahia questioned the government's true intentions, suggesting the real objective is to separate and sell VRA's thermal assets to private individuals. This move has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for Ghana's energy sector and the country's economic stability.

The VRA, established in 1961, plays a critical role in Ghana's energy landscape, generating electricity through hydro, thermal, and renewable sources. Its thermal assets are substantial, including the Takoradi Thermal Power Station, Tema Thermal Power Complex, and Kpone Thermal Power Station.

Source: Lead News Online