PUWU lambasts Ashanti Regional Minister over arrest of ECG GM

The Public Utilities Workers’ Union (PUWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed its displeasure over the alleged mistreatment of the Ashanti East Regional General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for performing his duties.

The Union reports that Mr. Michael Wiafe is currently being investigated by the Ghana Police Service (GPS) due to the disconnection of Kumasi Technical University by the ECG national task force. The complaint was lodged by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah.

The Union released a statement on Tuesday, April 16, stating “This is unacceptable and a clear case of abuse of power.”

“The union strongly condemns this action by the Regional Minister and finds this particular incident very unfortunate and affront to the right of the ECG staff and members of the union. These actions by some politicians are becoming too rampant, and the union is sending a strong warning against it.”

The PUWU of TUC detailed that on Wednesday, April 10, a Revenue Taskforce, established by the board and management of ECG with backing from the Minister of Energy, conducted an operation in the Ashanti region. The operation resulted in the disconnection of power supply to Kumasi Technical University due to an outstanding debt of over GH¢600,000.

“Prior to the disconnection, the university had been served a demand notice reminding them of their indebtedness to ECG, and the consequences of not negotiating for payment. Led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Dumor, the University engaged Mr Wiafe for payment terms since they could not afford the 75% upfront payment before reconnection.”

“Mr Wiafe informed the university that the national taskforce must be brought into the picture since it is handling the issue. On Thursday, 11th April about 9pm, Mr Mensah called Mr Wiafe, threatening him to reconnect power supply to the university,” he stated.

The Union noted that Mr. Wiafe explained he did not have the authority to reconnect the power since the disconnection was executed by a team from the Head Office. He also mentioned that he is in discussions with the relevant parties to find a solution.

Despite Mr. Wiafe’s explanation, Mr. Mensah informed Mr. Wiafe that he would report him to the police for refusing to restore power to the university.

“Shortly after he ended the call, the police at Zongo Police Station called Mr Wiafe and demanded him to report to the station. Mr Wiafe pleaded with the police to make his visit the following morning since it was late. On Friday 12th April, Mr Wiafe visited the Zongo Police Station with Peter Fletcher, the General Manager in charge of ECG Sub Transmission network in Ashanti region.”

“Upon their arrival, Mr Wiafe was informed that the police were investigating a charge against him for causing public unrest due to the disconnection. He was asked to write his statement, which he did, and after was granted a self-recognition ball by the police,” it stated.

—citinewsroom