The Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) under the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ghana has strongly challenged Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s allegations that ECG Information Technology (IT) personnel deliberately sabotaged the government’s digital revenue collection using ransomware.
PUWU asserts that this narrative aims to discredit ECG and facilitate its privatization.
PUWU’s recent statement rejects Dr. Bawumia’s assertions, highlighting the ongoing dedication of ECG staff, particularly those in ICT, to the company’s digital transformation.
They emphasize the critical role these workers play in enhancing efficiency and service delivery despite challenges, urging stakeholders to acknowledge their contributions to national development rather than undermine them.
“The commitment of ECG staff particularly ICT professionals, to the company’s digitalization journey remains unwavering. The development and deployment of the power app in 2016 exemplify the dedication to innovation and progress.
“ECG staff prioritize initiatives that enhance efficiency and service delivery. The provision of reliable electricity services in Ghana demands immense dedication and sacrifice from ECG staff who works under stressful and hazardous conditions.
“We are fully aware of the several attempts by some key stakeholders to push for the privatization of ECG and the deliberate attempt to give ECG a bad name and hang it.”
“We urge key stakeholders to refrain from disparaging our hardworking members and instead recognize their contributions to national development, in the face of many challenges including the shortage of critical resources for smooth operations,” it said.
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia, while speaking at the 14th Annual General Meeting of the African Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa on Thursday, May 9, 2024, disclosed that some personnel within the IT unit of ECG deliberately introduced ransomware to disrupt the functionality of the system.
According to the Vice President Bawumia, the IT staff at ECG used ransomware to “essentially collapse” payment systems.
“Can you believe that workers within the system sabotaged it? They put ransomware into the whole system. And the system essentially collapsed. We had to send in national security to eventually find that it was some of the staff at the IT department who were culpable,” said Dr. Bawumia.
“So that is now the case. Can you believe that from GHC450 million a month, collections have now gone to over a billion cedis a month.”
See statement below: