Energy Committee seeks clarity on the missing ECG containers

The Committee on Energy has expanded its partnership with key power sector institutions in an effort to simplify their 2025 operational plans. During a meeting at the Peduase Valley Resort, the committee met with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Bui Power Authority, and the Volta River Authority to evaluate their plans and ensure consistency with national energy policies, especially the Renewable Energy Master Plan. A significant problem reappeared and it was the case of ECG’s missing containers.

As per an earlier report, more than 1,300 containers owned by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) were unaccounted for at the Tema Port.  The Chairman of the investigative committee, Prof Innocent Senyo Acquah, indicated that while ECG declared to have 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment, an external audit at the port found only 1,134 containers.

As a result, a total of 1,357 items were missing. The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, showed concern about the situation and affirmed that it would be investigated after examining the findings were presented to him.

Mr John Abdulai Jinapor declared  earlier that “The over 1,300 containers cannot vanish into thin air. We will ensure those responsible are held accountable.” The Minister of Energy and Green Transition also promised to separate the procurement unit of ECG within a week and implement essential transformations to prevent forecasted variances.

While this was occurring, the findings from the investigation reveal that: Before 2022, ECG set aside a designated fund that received weekly financial allocation for customs clearance of shipments. This practice was stopped because it lacked funds, as noted by the ECG board.

Regardless of financial difficulties, ECG granted contracts to two firms to clear the containers—one such entity was funded in advance by ECG. One of the companies did not have the required permit to handle the contract, triggering apprehension over procurement violations. ECG’s acquisition division had been combined with their real estate department.

Addressing the committee, ECG’s Acting Managing Director, Kwame Kpekpena, stated that, significant efforts are being made through a collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to locate and track down the missing containers.

The Energy Committee, responsible fo monitoring  Ghana’s power sector, will continue with its consultations. Research analyst institutions like IMANI Ghana are expected to join the next session to provide authoritative insight on how to improve transparency and minimize financial risk across the power sector.

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