VRA Senior Staff kicks against Proposed Merger Bill in Parliament
Volta River Authority (VRA) Staff Groups comprising the Senior staff Association of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Divisional Unions of the Public Services Workers (PSW) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have stormed Parliament, calling for the immediate withdrawal of proposed bills that seek to merge the VRA with the Bui Power Authority.
The staff association alleged that the merger is a hidden move to privatize the assets of both state-owned entities.
The protest follows previous assurances from Herbert Krapah, Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, that the government would no longer pursue the bills.
However, the VRA staff argued that despite the promises, no formal steps have been taken to withdraw the bills, which are yet to be laid before Parliament.
At a press briefing on Thursday, October 17, Theophilus Tetteh Ahia, Chairman of the VRA Senior Staff Association, expressed strong opposition to the proposed merger.
He emphasized that VRA, a crucial player in Ghana’s energy sector, provides the country with the most affordable power.
Ahia warned that the merger could result in the privatization of assets, which he claims would be detrimental to the country’s energy security.
“The VRA is a national security asset, protecting both our economy and energy security. The proposed merger and the separation of VRA’s thermal assets would pave the way for privatization, which is not in the best interest of the country,” Ahia said.
He further highlighted financial challenges faced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which owes VRA over GHS 2 billion, and other Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a debt exceeding $1.5 billion.
Ahia criticized the bills, questioning their objective of reducing electricity costs and improving efficiency, claiming that privatization would only exacerbate current issues in the sector.
“The problem is collection and payment, not VRA’s efficiency. The current system allows for IPPs to receive the lion’s share of payments from ECG, leaving state institutions with insufficient funds,” he noted, warning of the risks if private companies control the majority of the energy sector.
The VRA Senior Staff Association, supported by the Public Services Workers Union, urged Parliament to reject the bills entirely. Ahia also referenced the historical significance of VRA, likening it to the U.S.’s Tennessee Valley Authority, and emphasized VRA’s vital role in Ghana’s energy sector over the past 63 years.
“We believe in competition, which benefits the consumer by lowering costs. But merging VRA and Bui will not bring the efficiency the government is claiming. VRA is already highly efficient and has successfully managed its hydro, thermal, and renewable portfolios,” Ahia stated.
The staff vowed to continue opposing the bills and called on Ghanaians to support their cause, emphasizing the need to protect the country’s energy security from privatization.
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Source: Felix Nyaaba // ExpressNewsGhana.com
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