The Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has made it clear that it is keeping a close eye on developments at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), particularly following the recent appointment of the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition.

As key players in the country’s energy sector, PUWU has been actively tracking efforts aimed at improving ECG’s operations.

The union is focused on ensuring that the company becomes more efficient and better able to serve both its customers and the people of Ghana.

In a statement, PUWU expressed its backing for the ministerial committee formed by the new Minister for Energy and Green Transition.

This committee’s task is to review and recommend a viable strategy for transforming ECG. The union welcomed the committee’s creation, recognising that reforms are urgently needed to address the challenges that the company has been facing.

PUWU, in partnership with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had already submitted a detailed position paper to the committee, outlining the problems confronting ECG and offering practical recommendations for their resolution.

One of the paper’s key points was a firm opposition to the privatisation of ECG. Among the major issues identified were inefficiencies in ECG's procurement system and the problematic level of government interference in the company’s management.

The union’s stance on the matter has been consistent: necessary reforms must come from within ECG itself, without resorting to privatisation.

It came as no surprise to PUWU when the ministerial committee revealed substantial violations concerning ECG’s procurement and clearance procedures.

The union had long raised concerns about such issues, particularly the practice of leaving containers purchased by ECG at the port, which resulted in costly demurrage charges.

In response, PUWU reiterated its call for ECG management to negotiate procurement deals with suppliers who are capable of delivering goods directly to the agreed destinations. This would eliminate delays and reduce unnecessary costs.

PUWU also reaffirmed its support for the ministerial committee’s work in tracking down the reported missing containers and ensuring that ECG is held accountable for its financial mismanagement.

"We fully back the ministerial committee’s efforts to recover the missing containers," the statement read.

Additionally, the union stressed the need for accountability, insisting that those responsible for procurement violations be held to account.

"We expect those involved in these transactions to be held responsible for their actions," the union added.

PUWU reiterated its commitment to supporting ECG’s operational efficiency and pledged to continue working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the company’s transformation.

The union believes that these efforts will ultimately benefit both ECG’s customers and the wider Ghanaian population.