The solution to ECG’s challenges is not privatisation, stop it – TUC

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for an immediate halt to the planned privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The TUC warns that privatizing ECG could undermine the government’s ability to provide essential social services to Ghanaians.

TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah expressed these concerns in an interview with 3news’ Labour Affairs Correspondent, Daniel Opoku, following an in-depth analysis of the 2025 national budget.

The Ministry of Energy has already sought feedback from companies interested in the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Despite the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) opposing the move, the government remains determined to push forward with the plan.

Following a thorough analysis of the 2025 budget, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also voiced strong opposition to the privatisation of ECG.

Mr Joshua Ansah emphasized that privatising the company could have negative repercussions for Ghanaians.

“Our position on privitisation has always been no, because we notice that privitisation in any form is the same. There are so many companies, factories which were privatised most of them did not yield positive results,

“So, we think that the problem with ECG, the solution to ECG is not privitisation. If government should take care of it, ECG can be on its feet again. Again, government interferences- we have something we call government procurement, buying meters. All these things when it stops, ECG can be managed well because it is providing social support to Ghanaians,” he said.

In a separate development, the TUC has raised concerns over the issue of low wages and salaries for workers.

The Secretary-General called for the introduction of a living wage and better pay for workers across the country.

“We think that we should be getting to how we can get a living wage, the minimum wage is nothing to write home about, we think is about the law which is not fit for purpose now. The law is about inflation, we need to amend it so that we move to a living wage,” he said.

The TUC has also expressed its interest in addressing challenges facing the Free SHS programme. The TUC leader called for swift action to resolve issues affecting the initiative.

“Whilst acknowledging government for not cancelling the free SHS, we want government to resolve challenges and we are ready for discussions because this is a social support for both the rich and the poor. We urge government to put in all the effort to ensure that it gets money to do the physical things,” Mr Ansah stated.

The Trades Union Congress has reiterated its commitment to supporting the government in maintaining macroeconomic stability and creating jobs for Ghanaians.