The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) has strongly refuted allegations of sabotage and resistance to digitalization effort within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The union in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi, denounced the accusations made by the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia during the African Anti-corruption Agencies conference, describing it as untrue.
“The accusations of sabotage and resistance to digitalization are not only unfounded but also damaging to the morale and reputation of our hardworking members”.
Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi, General Secretary PUWU
The statement further posited that the ICT Directorate of the Electricity Company of Ghana began the digitalization of ECG’s payment systems since July 2016 with the launch of the ECG Power App and USSD services (*226#), contrary to the claims made by the Vice President.
The statement emphasized that the initiative was notably highlighted during an event on February 18, 2020, where the Vice President was invited as the Special Guest of honor at the launch of the ECG Power App, an event widely covered by both electronic and print media.
Clarification on Ransomware Attacks
Commenting on the details of the Vice President’s allegations, the statement by the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) asserted that ECG’s ICT staff were not involved in sabotaging the payment system through ransomware attacks.
Furthermore, the statement by the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) clarified that the sophisticated ransomware attacks attributed to internal sabotage were actually orchestrated by an international cybercriminal group known as Lockbit.
Recounting the event leading to the attack, Mr Nyantakyi, noted that the first ransomware attack occurred on September 28, 2022, and was severe enough to warrant reporting to the Cyber Security Authority.
He stated that the National Security subsequently took control of ECG’s ICT systems, following the event, considering the attack a threat to national security.
Mr Nyantakyi further asserted that despite National Security’s oversight, a second and more severe ransomware attack occurred on November 11, 2022, at a point, where National Security personnel had full physical access and administrative rights to all ECG systems.
He recounted that following the second attack, some ECG’s ICT staff were detained by National Security but were later released as evidence suggest they had nothing to do with the attacks.
The General Secretary of the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) thus posited that such revelation exonerates the ECG’s ICT staff from the erroneous claims of internal sabotage.
He, however stated that throughout the period, ECG’s ICT staff played a pivotal role in recovering systems during the ransomware attacks, emphasizing the workers dedication and technical expertise.
Among many things, Mr Nyantakyi stated that ECG’s ICT staff were instrumental in the recovery efforts, implementing their system recovery strategy and working tirelessly to restore functionality.
In addition, Mr Nyantaky recounted that ECG staff provided crucial assistance to National Security operatives in managing the ECG systems with support from E-crime Bureau, a cybersecurity firm engaged by the ECG Board.
Disputing Revenue Increase Claims
Moreover, the Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) disputed claims regarding ECG’s financial performance.
The union in its statement referred to ECG’s 2019 Annual Report, which documented an average monthly revenue of approximately GHS532.7 million from 2017 to 2019 , which is in direct contrast with the 2023 signed SIGA – ECG Performance Contract that reported an average monthly revenue of GHS631.3 million as of early 2022.
The statement emphasized that the financial records of the Electricity Company of Ghana are publicly accessible on the company’s website.
In addition, Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) while commending the recent digitalization efforts under the current management in improving customer convenience credited the dedication and commitment of ECG’s staff as the cornerstone of any observed improvements, particularly in revenue mobilization.
The statement urged stakeholders to recognize the contributions of ECG workers to national development, especially amid challenges like resource shortages.
The Public Utilities Workers Union (PUWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) concluded its statement by expressing its opposition to the ongoing efforts by some stakeholders to push for the privatization of ECG.
The union viewed the disparaging of ECG’s workers as a deliberate attempt by some key stakeholders to push for the privatization of ECG.
The statement thus urged stakeholders to refrain from such actions and to appreciate the hardworking workers of ECG.
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