The President of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Abednego Orstin Rawlings, has emphasized the need for transformational leadership at GRIDCo, reflecting the aspirations of its staff.
According to Mr. Rawlings, many employees believe that the next Chief Executive Officer should be someone deeply committed to the company, aligned with the vision of former President John Mahama and the NDC Reset Agenda.
He stated that for the success of this agenda and the economic recovery plan outlined in the NDC manifesto, GRIDCo requires a leader whose objectives resonate with the party’s developmental goals.
Recognizing the national grid as the backbone of Ghana’s power sector, the staff stressed that inadequate leadership at GRIDCo could disrupt electricity supply, regardless of generation capacity.
To prevent this, Mr. Rawlings advised that President Mahama appoint a capable and dedicated leader who can harness the full potential of the workforce.
He further noted concerns among employees regarding the sidelining of known NDC loyalists within GRIDCo over the past eight years, with strategic positions allegedly being given to individuals sympathetic to the NPP.
He cautioned that ignoring the desires of the staff could undermine the incoming administration’s ability to manage the national grid effectively.
Employees also expressed dissatisfaction over issues such as lack of transparency in promotions, exclusion of perceived NDC members from management roles, unfair transfers, and denial of training opportunities.
These challenges, Mr. Rawlings argued, have significantly affected staff morale since 2017.
“If this situation is not addressed now, the next NDC government could find itself at the mercy of individuals who may not align with its vision, potentially setting up the administration for failure in the energy sector,” he warned.
Through interactions with GRIDCo staff, Mr. Rawlings identified several experienced professionals within the organization who have contributed significantly to the national grid’s expansion.
These individuals, he noted, possess the technical expertise and industry relationships necessary to drive GRIDCo forward and ensure stable power transmission under the NDC government.
While GRIDCo is widely known for system operations, Mr. Rawlings emphasized that its responsibilities extend far beyond this.
He highlighted concerns that NDC-aligned professionals have been kept away from key operational roles, potentially weakening the company’s efficiency.
He reiterated the need for a leader who understands the investment landscape, technical complexities, and operational demands of the power sector. Without such an appointment, he warned, Ghana could face electricity supply challenges, as an unfamiliar leader may have to rely on the existing management, whose loyalty to the NDC’s Reset Agenda remains uncertain.