Staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) are threatening to initiate a nationwide strike in response to the government’s recent proposal to privatize the VRA.
The controversial draft bill, introduced by the government, seeks to merge the VRA with the Bui Power Authority and combine the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
In addition to the merger, the bill also proposes the establishment of an independent Thermal Power Authority.
This plan has sparked significant unrest among VRA staff, who have expressed their opposition by donning red bands at the headquarters in Accra.
Their demonstration reflects their deep dissatisfaction with the proposed changes and their concerns over the impact on their jobs and the future of the authority.
The staff’s stance underscores the widespread anxiety and resistance to the government’s move, with many fearing that the privatization could lead to job losses and diminished public control over essential electricity services.
As the draft bill continues to be debated, the threat of a strike remains a potent reminder of the staff’s determination to fight the proposed restructuring.
