The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has strongly cautioned the government against any plans to privatize the assets of the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The government’s draft bill proposes merging the VRA with Bui Power Authority, consolidating the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and creating an independent Thermal Power Authority.
This proposal has sparked strong reactions from VRA staff, leading to protests. Red flags have been posted across VRA offices as a symbol of their resistance.
According to the MP, such a move would be resisted by him and his constituents, particularly the workers of VRA.
Thomas Ampem Nyarko expressed these sentiments during the official launch of his re-election campaign in South Senchi on Saturday.
He described the proposed sale of VRA as part of a broader “state capture” strategy, adding that it was morally wrong for the ruling NPP to disrespect former President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the founder of VRA while seeking to privatize one of his legacies.
“The VRA is one of the well-performing state agencies in Ghana, and it has provided numerous employment opportunities to the people of Akosombo and its surrounding areas. I will stand by the workers of VRA any day to resist this government’s attempt to sell off this critical national asset,” the MP asserted.
During the campaign event preceded by a “24-hour economy walk” with thousands of supporters, Thomas Ampem Nyarko mentioned several development projects he has spearheaded in health, education, and women’s empowerment through vocational skills training, in his two terms as MP with his opposition party, promising to do more when the NDC comes to power and he continues as MP.
Thomas Ampem Nyarko also accused his main political opponent, NPP parliamentary candidate Pius Enam Hadzide, of engaging in tribal politics and lacking any meaningful plans for the people of Asuogyaman.
He urged the electorate to reject Hadzide in the upcoming December 7th elections, alleging that the NPP candidate is distributing “stolen money” to influence votes.
“Pius Hadzide is not offering anything to this constituency, and I urge all of you to reject him. No amount of stolen money used for vote buying should sway your decision. When the NDC returns to power, we will investigate all the corrupt activities he has been involved in,” Ampem Nyarko declared.
The campaign launch was attended by some members of Parliament and both National and regional executives of the party.
National Deputy Communications Officer of the NDC, Malik Basintale, also took the stage to address the crowd.
He criticized Pius Hadzide for his alleged involvement in the Australia Visa Scandal during his time as Deputy Youth and Sports Minister. Basintale cautioned the people of Asuogyaman against voting for someone he described as a “candidate for jail.”
“Pius Hadzide has moved from Ketu North to contest in Asuogyaman to continue his corrupt practices. Do not vote for a potential jail candidate,” Basintale stated, adding that Hadzide had not delivered any significant development in the area despite holding key government positions.