The Volta River Authority (VRA) staff groups have temporarily suspended some of their actions while awaiting the complete withdrawal of the bills on the proposed merger of the VRA and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
This decision comes in response to the Ministry of Energy’s recent request for Parliament to suspend consideration of the gazetted bills, which have been met with widespread opposition from VRA employees.
The staff groups have been particularly vocal against the proposed merger of the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
They characterize the draft bill aimed at merging the VRA with the Bui Power Authority as a manoeuvre to create a new entity that could potentially be sold off, sparking fears about job security and the future of the organization.
In a statement issued on October 29, the VRA staff groups formally notified the Minister of Energy about their partial suspension of actions.
They expressed their discontent, indicating that they were not adequately informed about the Ministry’s intentions regarding the proposed mergers and the suspension of the bills.
Despite their frustrations, the staff groups reassured the Minister of their commitment to continuing their services without interruption, highlighting their dedication to maintaining operational stability amid ongoing discussions about the future of the energy sector in Ghana.
This suspension of actions is seen as a temporary measure, with the staff groups remaining vigilant as they await further developments.
“Although we are not copied, to remain true to our promise, and in commitment to the essential services that we provide, and in respect for your office, we write to notify you that we are partially suspending some of our actions, we write to notify you that we are partially suspending some of our actions, awaiting the total withdrawal of the bills.”
The management and staff group leadership had earlier advised the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapa, to facilitate the withdrawal of the merger bills from Parliament.
They expressed hope that the ministry would ensure a peaceful industrial atmosphere at the VRA and NEDCo.
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