Government has reiterated that no worker of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will lose their jobs over the privatization of the power distribution company.
The assurance follows agitations from the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) over a possible lay off of staff of ECG after the privatization process is completed.
The government of Ghana under the Power Compact II is expected to receive 498 million dollars from the Millennium Challenge Corporation(MCC), after which a concessionaire will inject similar amount in the power sector.
Speaking at the launch of the 50th anniversary celebration of ECG, a Deputy Minister of Energy William Owuraku Aidoo reiterated government’s commitment to protect the jobs of the workers.
“I want to reiterate my assurance to all staff of ECG, that no staff will lose his job. I repeat, no staff will lose his job as a result of the concessionaire taking over the management operations of the ECG,” he stressed.
He maintained that the renegotiation of Ghana’s ownership of ECG from 20 percent to 51 percent share under the compact, shows that ECG will still be in the hands of Ghanaians.
Mr. Aidoo appealed to ECG workers to allow the process to continue smoothly since it will make ECG efficient as the concessionaire injects about 498 million dollars into the company.
On his part, the Managing Director of ECG, Ingineer Samuel Boakye-Appiah debunked the notion that ECG was being sold to a concessionaire.
“ECG will continue to exist as an electric utility. ECG has not been sold contrary to what others believe. With the introduction of a concessionaire to invest in, manage and operate our distribution assets, ECG will continue to exist albeit with a different focus,” he said.
As part of measures to make ECG efficient, Ing. Boakye-Appiah stated that management will role out new systems that will make ECG active and responsible asset owners.
He added that ECG will also engage in Bulk Energy Trading, providing knowledge and skills to support other utilities through consultancy services and an upgraded training school.
“The new ECG will also embrace the introduction of renewable energy into Ghana’s energy mix in other to prove reliability of supply to our customer”
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By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana