Staff groups at the Volta River Authority (VRA) have temporarily suspended some of their actions while awaiting the complete withdrawal of the contentious energy sector bills.
This decision follows a request from the Ministry of Energy to Parliament to halt consideration of the proposed legislation.
The staff groups have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed merger of the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
They view the draft bill aimed at merging these entities as a tactic to create a new organization that could ultimately be sold off.
The merger plans have faced significant pushback from the staff groups, who expressed their concerns regarding the lack of communication from the Ministry about its intentions.
In a statement issued on October 29, the VRA Staff Groups notified the Minister of Energy about their partial suspension of actions.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, the staff groups reiterated their commitment to maintaining their services throughout this period.
“Although we are not copied, to remain true to our promise, and in commitment to the essential services that we provide, and in respect for your office, we write to notify you that we are partially suspending some of our actions, we write to notify you that we are partially suspending some of our actions, awaiting the total withdrawal of the bills.”
The management and staff group leadership had earlier advised the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, Herbert Krapa, to facilitate the withdrawal of the merger bills from Parliament.
They expressed hope that the ministry would ensure a peaceful industrial atmosphere at the VRA and NEDCo.