VRA workers reject merger with Bui Power, NEDCo, ECG

Accra, Ghana - Workers of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have vehemently opposed a draft bill proposing the merger of VRA with the Bui Power Authority, citing concerns over job security and the authority's original purpose.

The proposed bill aims to consolidate state-owned power utilities, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and create an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA's thermal plants.

However, VRA staff argue that the merger would compromise the authority's autonomy and potentially lead to privatization, stating, "The Volta River Authority was built for the people, not for the highest bidder. There is an existing Memorandum of Understanding between VRA and NEDCo that guarantees VRA’s continuous support in terms of power supply and the expansion of other infrastructure. The MOU has expired requiring a renewal, but management has been rendered powerless and has no interest in the renewal to guarantee continuous support to NEDCo for no apparent reason.”

The hydroelectric dams are not the only assets examined in this merger.
The remaining legislation being pushed by the Energy Ministry are the Ghana Thermal Authority Bill, Ghana Hydro Authority Bill, Ghana Power Distribution Authority Bill, Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation Bill, and Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill.

However, VRA employees argue that these changes are not in the best interests of Ghanaians and may have major negative consequences for both the VRA and the country as a whole.

In a statement issued on Wednesday September 4, the staff groups expressed concern that the planned adjustments will diminish VRA's contributions to the national grid and jeopardize energy security.

"The support VRA gives to NEDCo is to ensure that our brothers and sisters in the NEDCo catchment areas of the country enjoy electricity consistently without any hindrance. The separation of NEDCo from VRA can affect the supply of power and cash inflows for VRA since ECG is not consistent with its payment obligations to VRA. We see this attempt as “A GRAND SCHEME TO SELL VRA ASSETS TO CRONIES,” he said.

Find the full statement below;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JVmgWye6C767NZQMEKdtlUVSo1h-wpG-/view?usp=sharing

Source : Lead News Online