Staff groups at the Volta River Authority (VRA) have voiced strong opposition to a draft bill proposing the merger of VRA with the Bui Power Authority, citing concerns over energy security and potential privatization of thermal assets.
The proposed bill, pushed by the Energy Ministry, aims to consolidate various power companies, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and create an independent Thermal Power Authority from VRA’s thermal plants.
However, VRA staff argue that the merger could weaken the authority’s contributions to the national grid and compromise energy security. They also claim that assurances were made in May 2024 that there were no plans to privatize VRA’s thermal assets, which they believe could now be at risk.
The staff groups released a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that VRA was built for the people, not for private interests, and that the proposed reforms are not in the best interest of Ghanaians. They urged the government to reconsider the bill and engage in further consultation with stakeholders.
