ECG Workers Call For Mass Demonstration Against Intended Concession

Concerned citizens and the Central Regional employees of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have called for Mass demonstration against the intended concession of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited.

Spokesperson of the group Mr. Seth Birikorang noted that, the concession which is to last for 25 years would definitely defeat the good intentions and the purpose of the government's vision of the 'One-District One-Factory' Agenda.

Mr. Birikorang indicated that, "In response to a question as to whether if given the nod he ( then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo) would continue with the concession idea, then candidate Nana Akufo- Addo's response was negative and now that the nod is giving it looks like the NPP government is torn between two pieces and finds it difficult to take a firm decision."

He further explained, Article 7.1 of the compact, MIDA would not submit to the laws of Ghana that is, the said compact override all the laws of Ghana and this implies that the PURC being the Ghanaian agency cannot influence tariff determination.

"These would not only bring untold hardship on Ghanaians but, as well defeat the vision of the government's 'One-District One-Factory'," Mr. Birikorang added.

According to him, a major condition precedent for accessing this grants is the private sector participation.

He stated that, the colossal sum of US$498.2 million can be raised by indigenous Ghanaian businessmen and women so that Ghanaians can manage the Energy Distribution.

Mr. Birikorang appealed to the government that as an alternative arrangement, Electricity Company of Ghana can be listed on the Ghana stock market and that can raise more money than what MIDA is giving.

He mentioned that by implementing the concession idea, Ghana would be worse off since a foreign entity's policy will override the Ghanaian laws and that is not impressive enough.

The group also called on the government to expedite the dialogue with stakeholders as promised, with the view to imbibing useful suggestions in order to take firm decision that will inure to the benefit of the country.

The concerned citizens further called on Ghanaians to embark on series of demonstrations across the length and breath of Ghana until the government cancels the concession.