Workers of Ghana's major power distributor protest against planned privatization

Workers of state-run major power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) on Thursday demonstrated against its planned privatization.

The demonstration was staged simultaneously in the capital as well as three other regions to coincide with the observance of the international public service day.

The workers were clad in red attires and armbands and headgears and held placards to express their disapproval to the privatization effort by the government.

The workers said they feared many might lose their jobs under a new management.

According to them, should the concessionary deal be allowed to go through, it would have dire consequences for the country in the near future.

But the government has defended the proposed takeover of the management of the company by a private entity under a concessionary deal following years of ECG's failure to remain solvent.

The protests come barely two weeks after President John Dramani Mahama asked Ghanaians to prepare their minds for a possible privatization of the ECG, describing the current power distribution system as inefficient.

President Mahama has said privatizing the company is the best way to ensure its smooth operation even though the trade unions of Ghana have kicked against the move, calling on the government to rescind the decision.

Thirty-three companies have already expressed interest in the concession arrangement to operate ECG for 25 years from January 2017 under the Compact II of the Millennium Development Authority.

Under the deal, government's partnership with the private sector will help the ECG collect its debts more efficiently and transform it in terms of technology and efficiency in power distribution to become a stronger company able to meet the current and future needs of Ghanaian families and businesses.

Ghana has been grappling with an energy crisis for the past six years. Endit