Accra: Staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have denied allegations of illegally connecting customers to the national power grid. A statement released by the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) of Trade Union Congress (TUC) stated that their attention had been drawn to public statements made by Mr. Benjamin Boakye, the Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) regarding issues of illegal connection.
According to Ghana News Agency, the statement signed by Mr. Timothy Nyame, the General Secretary of PUWU, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, stated that they find the power theft allegations as misleading and damaging to the reputation of ECG staff. The claim that ECG workers are involved in illegal activities undermines the collective efforts of staff who work tirelessly, often under very challenging conditions, to ensure the stability of power supply to customers.
The statement highlighted that the majority of ECG staff are field workers undertaking various assignments. It further expressed concern that the statements made by Mr. Benjamin Boakye expose the staff to public ridicule and attacks, especially given his status as a public figure. Such unsubstantiated allegations and comments about ECG staff, the statement noted, erode public trust and cause more harm, particularly at a time when stakeholders are addressing challenges in the energy sector.
PUWU of TUC Ghana emphasized the commitment of ECG staff to their professional mandate of providing quality, reliable, and safe electricity to support the economic growth and development of Ghana. The union urged stakeholders, including ACEP and its director, to engage constructively in finding sustainable solutions to Ghana's energy challenges, rather than resorting to baseless accusations that create unnecessary distractions.
