TUC Opposes ECG Privatisation, Demands Living Wage and Support for Free SHS
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana has strongly opposed the government’s proposed plan to privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) warning that such a move could have dire consequences for the nation’s ability to deliver essential social services.
Speaking in an interview with 3news’ Labour Affairs Correspondent Daniel Opoku TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah urged the government to immediately halt all ongoing processes toward privatisation. This follows the Ministry of Energy’s invitation to private companies to express interest in taking over operations at ECG—a move that has already faced resistance from the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU).
Our position on privatisation has always been no, Mr. Ansah stated emphatically. There are so many companies and factories that were privatised and most of them did not yield positive results. We think that the solution to ECG’s challenges is not privatisation.
He further argued that ECG’s problems stem more from government interference than from structural inefficiencies, citing issues such as the centralized procurement of meters as an example of practices that hinder operational independence.
ECG can stand on its feet again if the government properly manages it and reduces political interference, he added. The company is a critical provider of social support to Ghanaians, and we must protect that.”
Beyond the ECG debate the TUC is also intensifying its call for fair wages for Ghanaian workers. The Secretary-General criticized the current minimum wage structure labeling it as outdated and inadequate to meet the basic needs of workers.
We think it’s time to move from minimum wage to a living wage, Mr. Ansah said. The current wage law is not fit for purpose. It’s based only on inflation, but inflation doesn’t reflect the real cost of living anymore.”
He called for the amendment of Ghana’s wage laws to ensure that workers earn enough to live in dignity, especially in the face of high inflation and rising cost of living.
In a related development, Mr. Ansah praised the government for sustaining the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme but urged authorities to tackle the operational and logistical challenges currently affecting its delivery.
We commend the government for not cancelling the Free SHS programme. But we want the government to resolve its challenges quickly, he said. We are ready for dialogue to ensure that both the rich and poor benefit fully from this important social intervention.”
The TUC has reiterated its commitment to working with the government to maintain macroeconomic stability, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians.
As Ghana navigates a critical economic phase ahead of the 2025 budget implementation, the voices of organized labour—particularly on issues such as privatisation, wages, and education—are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping national policy.