VRA workers oppose proposed merger with Bui Power Authority

The Volta River Authority (VRA) staff strongly oppose a draft bill that suggests merging VRA with the Bui Power Authority and making other changes to Ghana’s energy sector. The proposed bill, currently being reviewed by Parliament, aims to combine the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and create an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA’s thermal plants.

It also aims to consolidate all thermal plants under a Ghana Thermal Authority and all hydro plants under a Ghana Hydro Authority. In a statement, VRA workers argued that the proposed changes are not in the best interest of Ghanaians and could have detrimental effects on both the VRA and the country.

They warned that the bill could undermine VRA’s contributions to the national grid and energy security, suggesting that the proposal is a plan to privatize the Thermal Department, paving the way for private entities to acquire valuable national assets. “The support VRA provides to NEDCo ensures consistent electricity supply in NEDCo’s catchment areas,” the statement read.

“Separating NEDCo from VRA could disrupt power supply and impact VRA’s cash flow, as ECG has been inconsistent in its payment obligations to VRA. We see this as a ‘grand scheme to sell VRA assets to cronies.’” The workers called for immediate action to protect national interests, emphasizing that the Volta River Authority was established to serve the people of Ghana, not private investors.

They also pointed out that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) exists between VRA and NEDCo, ensuring continuous power supply and infrastructure expansion. Although the MOU has expired and requires renewal, the workers alleged that VRA management has shown no interest in renewing it, leaving the partnership in jeopardy.

With the support of Ghanaians, the VRA staff have vowed to resist any attempts to privatize or merge the authority’s assets under the guise of restructuring.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah