Dr Elikplim Apetorgbor, Chief Executive of Independent Power Producers Ghana (IPPG), has acknowledged the concerns raised by Volta River Authority (VRA) staff regarding job security and potential layoffs in light of the proposed privatization.
In response to criticism from VRA employees, who argue that privatizing VRA could lead to increased electricity costs rather than savings, Dr. Apetorgbor emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns with empathy and strategic foresight. The staff have criticized his assertion that privatization would lower costs through efficiency gains, claiming that the electricity generated from independent power plants (IPPs) is currently more expensive than that produced by VRA’s facilities.
Dr Apetorgbor countered these claims by suggesting that privatization could be framed as an opportunity for upskilling and professional growth rather than widespread job losses. He proposed several measures to address staff concerns effectively.
Firstly, he called for a transparent stakeholder engagement process involving VRA management, government representatives, labour unions, and staff. This dialogue would aim to clarify the benefits of privatization while ensuring that workers’ rights are upheld.
Additionally, he suggested incorporating retraining and upskilling programs into the privatization agreement, emphasizing the need for a technically skilled workforce to operate modernized plants. Such initiatives could help VRA staff enhance their skills and remain competitive in the evolving energy sector.
Dr. Apetorgbor also proposed job transition guarantees during a phased privatization process. These would ensure that current staff would be retained for a specified period, with severance packages negotiated for those who may eventually leave.
Moreover, he highlighted the importance of local content provisions in the privatization agreements, ensuring a significant portion of the workforce remains Ghanaian, and urged that employee welfare considerations, including pensions, healthcare, and fair compensation, be safeguarded under any privatization framework.
Dr. Apetorgbor’s comments reflect a commitment to addressing VRA staff’s valid concerns while advocating for modernization in Ghana’s power sector.
