The Leadership of the Staff Groups of the Volta River Authority and Northern Electricity Distribution Company, (VRA/NEDCo) has issued a strong objection to a purported appointment of the Upper East Regional Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress as the Corporate Communications Manager of NEDCo.
The groups indicated that the announcement, made by Mr. Salifu himself on Dreamz FM, a local radio station in Bolgatanga, dated Wednesday 26th February 2025, was not only irregular but also threatens the integrity and established protocols of NEDCo as a duly registered company under the Company’s Act.
“We hope that the government has not made and does not intend to make any such appointment” a statement issued by the group emphasised.
According to the workers, the purported appointment flagrantly disregards time-tested recruitment policies of NEDCo and argued that never in the history of the organization has a managerial position been filled directly by government or the Office of the President.
They maintained this will set a dangerous precedent which will also undermine the professional standards that have been the bedrock of the organization. They further clarified that managerial positions are filled based on established procedures, ensuring fairness and meritocracy.
The groups indicated that the purported appointment is in clear violation of the Senior Staff Conditions of Service, asserting that the conditions of service clearly outline the processes involved in Managerial appointments.
“As a limited liability subsidiary of VRA, 100% owned by VRA and registered under the Company’s Act, NEDCo operates under established corporate governance principles. The purported appointment is completely illegal and contrary to the recruitment policies of NEDCo” the workers stressed.
They said the current Manager of Corporate Communications is a dedicated employee who has served NEDCo for about 20 years, rising through the ranks to his current position. As a result, the disgruntled workers believe this illegal appointment when allowed will demoralize the workforce and undermine career progression within NEDCo.
The workers also cited the Supreme Court case of Theophilus Donkor Vrs the Attorney General to further give legal justification for their objection to the appointment.
“The Supreme Court case of Theophilus Donkor Vrs the Attorney General provides critical legal context for our position. While the political class has the authority to make certain appointments, this authority is not absolute and must be exercised within the bounds of the law.”
In their view, the Donkor case clarifies the distinction between governing board appointments (under Article 70(1)(d)(iii) of the Constitution) and public service positions (under Article 195) while the President can appoint members of governing boards, staff positions within public corporations are part of the public service and must be filled through established procedures, not direct presidential appointments.
