PSWU Dismisses Media Reports of Energy Commission Staff Agitation Against Acting Executive Secretary

Introduction

Recent media reports alleging unrest among Energy Commission of Ghana staff regarding the appointment of Acting Executive Secretary Ing. Mrs Eunice Biritwum have been firmly rejected by the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU). The union has characterized these reports as false, baseless, and potentially damaging to both institutional stability and individual reputations.

Key Points

Background

Ing. Mrs Eunice A. Biritwum was appointed Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission in early February 2025, succeeding Ing. Oscar Amonoo-Neizer. With extensive experience in energy policy, power systems planning, and renewable energy, Biritwum has led the Commission in engaging stakeholders across Ghana’s energy sector, including renewable energy companies, to enhance compliance, transparency, and collaborative governance.

The Energy Commission of Ghana serves as the regulatory body responsible for managing and overseeing the country’s energy resources, making stability and professionalism within its workforce essential for national energy security and development.

Analysis

The PSWU’s strong rebuttal of media reports suggests a deliberate attempt to misrepresent internal dynamics at the Energy Commission. By emphasizing that the union is the sole authorized body to communicate workforce grievances, PSWU is establishing clear protocols for information dissemination and protecting its members from unauthorized representation.

The union’s statement reveals several critical concerns:

First, the characterization of reports as “sensationalized” indicates awareness of potential media manipulation aimed at creating artificial tension within the institution. This is particularly significant given the Energy Commission’s crucial role in Ghana’s energy sector governance.

Second, the emphasis on maintaining a “calm, professional, and productive” work environment suggests that institutional stability is being actively preserved despite external pressures. This stability is vital for the Commission’s mandate of regulating and managing Ghana’s energy resources effectively.

Third, the union’s directive to media outlets to verify information with authorized leadership before publication represents a proactive approach to managing institutional reputation and preventing the spread of misinformation that could affect staff morale and public confidence.

Practical Advice

For journalists and media professionals covering stories about government institutions and labor relations in Ghana:

1. Always verify claims about workforce sentiment with the recognized union leadership before publication
2. Request official statements from multiple authorized sources when reporting on institutional matters
3. Be cautious of anonymous sources claiming to represent staff perspectives without union authorization
4. Consider the potential impact of sensationalized reporting on institutional stability and public service delivery
5. Maintain professional relationships with union leadership to ensure accurate information flow

For institutional leaders facing similar situations:

1. Establish clear communication protocols with union representatives
2. Issue prompt, factual responses to misinformation
3. Maintain transparency about leadership appointments and organizational changes
4. Foster strong relationships with media outlets to ensure balanced coverage
5. Document and address any unauthorized attempts to misrepresent workforce sentiment

FAQ

Conclusion

The PSWU’s decisive response to recent media reports demonstrates the importance of accurate representation in institutional communications and the potential consequences of misinformation. By establishing clear protocols for authorized communication and emphasizing the stability of the work environment, the union has effectively countered attempts to create artificial tension within the Energy Commission.

This situation underscores the critical role of unions in protecting their members’ interests and maintaining institutional stability, particularly in essential sectors like energy governance. It also highlights the responsibility of media organizations to verify information through proper channels before publishing potentially damaging reports.

Moving forward, the Energy Commission appears well-positioned to continue its mandate of regulating and managing Ghana’s energy resources under stable leadership, with PSWU serving as the essential bridge between workforce concerns and institutional management.