Staff groups of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have strongly opposed a draft bill proposing the merger of VRA with the Bui Power Authority, warning that such a move could pose a significant threat to the security of the country’s energy supply.
The bill, currently under consideration, also includes provisions to consolidate the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and to create a separate Thermal Power Authority by extracting VRA’s thermal plants from its portfolio.
However, VRA workers are alarmed by these proposed changes, emphasizing that “the Volta River Authority was built for the people and not the highest bidder.” They argue that the mergers would weaken VRA’s ability to sustain the national grid and deliver reliable power to Ghanaians.
A major concern raised by the workers is the potential impact on the existing relationship between VRA and NEDCo. According to the staff, an expired Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two entities ensured VRA’s continued support in providing power and expanding infrastructure for NEDCo. Despite the need for renewal, VRA management has shown little interest in extending the agreement, leaving workers concerned about the future.
Additionally, the hydroelectric dams, critical assets of VRA, are not the only resources considered for amalgamation under the new bill. Other reforms being pushed by the Ministry of Energy include the creation of a Ghana Thermal Authority, a Ghana Hydro Authority, a Ghana Power Distribution Authority, a Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation, and a Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, VRA staff groups argued that these reforms would not only undermine VRA’s contributions to the national energy grid but could also jeopardize the country’s energy security. They expressed fears that the separation of NEDCo from VRA could disrupt consistent power supply in the northern regions and negatively affect VRA’s financial health, particularly given ECG’s inconsistent payments to VRA.
The workers went further to accuse the government of attempting to privatize VRA’s assets, stating, “We see this attempt as a grand scheme to sell VRA assets to cronies.”
The staff also recalled assurances given by the VRA Board Chairman in May 2024 that there were no plans to privatize the Authority’s thermal assets, a promise that now appears uncertain.
The VRA workers pledged to resist the proposed reforms, warning that they would use all legal means available to prevent what they see as an attack on affordable electricity and energy security in Ghana.
“The Staff of VRA, with the support of Ghanaians, shall fearlessly resist and use all legitimate means at our disposal to ensure that the people of Ghana are not robbed of affordable electric power and energy security under the guise of mergers and privatization,” the statement concluded.
As the debate over the proposed mergers continues, the future of VRA, and its role in Ghana’s energy landscape, hangs in the balance.