Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has opened consultations with the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) over a proposed merger between the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The meeting, held in Accra, follows concerns raised by unionised staff about possible job losses, operational disruptions and threats to regulatory independence within the power sector.
Union representatives questioned how the consolidation could affect workers’ security and the oversight role both institutions currently play in Ghana’s energy market.
Dr. Jinapor told the union the government would not proceed with the merger without extensive stakeholder consultation and broad consensus.
He said reforms aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening regulatory supervision were necessary, but would not be imposed without transparency and dialogue.
According to the minister, organised labour including the PSWU will play a central role as government reviews options for restructuring the regulatory framework.
He stressed that consensus-building would underpin any decision, ensuring that national interest and worker welfare remain protected.
The proposed merger forms part of wider reforms intended to streamline operations and improve performance within Ghana’s energy and utilities regulatory system.
The Energy Commission oversees technical regulation and licensing within the sector, while PURC sets tariffs and protects consumer interests.
Government officials say discussions are ongoing, with further engagements expected before any final decision is taken.