VRA Staff Protest Against Government's Move to Privatize VRA, Call for Bill Withdrawal

The Divisional Secretary of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), VRA branch, Mr. Applause Ebenezer Sedziafa, led a demonstration alongside other staff members of the Volta River Authority (VRA) in protest against the government's decision to sell VRA to private entities. The workers had previously raised their concerns with the Minister for Energy, urging a complete withdrawal of the privatization bill.

In their petition, the VRA staff expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision, which they claim has already received cabinet approval. Mr. Sedziafa noted that they have documentary evidence to back their claims about the government's intention to privatize the state-owned power generator.

“We are in the sector and know what is going on at VRA,” he said, emphasizing that the sale of VRA could have dire consequences for the public, particularly in terms of electricity affordability. He further lamented that once VRA is privatized, individuals will find it difficult to afford electricity bills.

At a recent meeting with the Minister of Energy, the VRA staff were disappointed by the lack of a concrete assurance. While the Minister mentioned that steps were being taken to withdraw the bill, no firm commitment was made.

Mr. Sedziafa appealed to the general public to support their fight, stressing that VRA is a national asset that took the vision of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to build. He warned that privatizing such a crucial entity would not only jeopardize the livelihoods of many but also destroy what continues to sustain the people.

Instead of privatization, the VRA staff called on the government to focus on job creation and development for the youth of Ghana, rather than dismantling key institutions that serve the public interest.