The Ministry of Energy has requested Parliament to suspend the controversial Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill, which aims to merge the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
The bill also seeks to establish an independent Thermal Power Authority by consolidating the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) thermal plants, causing concern among industry stakeholders.
In a statement issued by the Minister of State at the Ministry, Herbert Krapah, the Ministry stressed the need for further consultations before proceeding with the bill. “We respectfully request Parliament to suspend consideration of the bill to allow for more detailed consultations,” the statement read.
The proposed reforms have faced opposition from various staff groups within the VRA, who are particularly worried about a provision suggesting a merger with the Bui Power Authority. Workers argue that such changes could undermine the VRA’s interests and harm Ghana’s broader energy sector.
Other legislative measures introduced by the Ministry include the Ghana Thermal Authority Bill, Ghana Hydro Authority Bill, Ghana Power Distribution Authority Bill, Ghana Nuclear Power Corporation Bill, and the Ghana Energy Regulatory Authority Bill.
However, the workforce at VRA continues to warn that these sweeping changes might not be in the best interest of the country’s energy future.
