Electrical wiring is regulated in Ghana. The materials used and the electricians who undertake wiring projects are also subject to regulation. These safeguards are intended to enforce standards, ensure quality service, and prevent avoidable disasters.
Yet, untrained individuals are frequently engaged to undertake electrical wiring on building projects.
This practice continues despite numerous reports by the Ghana National Fire Service attributing many fire outbreaks, particularly in the capital, to electrical faults.
Although the situation is alarming, little appears to be happening publicly to address it.
Did you know that premises in Ghana whose electrical installations have been in use for at least 10 years are required to undergo periodic wiring inspections?
“Premises” includes land and any building, structure or installation on it, such as a residence, factory, construction site, kiosk, temporary installation, recreational ground, institutional building, commercial building or public-access building.
Rule 11(2) and (3) of the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008) require periodic inspection and testing according to the following schedule:
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Ten years after the initial installation and use;
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Every three to five years thereafter, until the installation has been in service for 30 years; and
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Every two years after 30 years of service.
Section 52 of the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541) also mandates the Energy Commission to appoint a Chief Inspector and other inspectors to inspect premises.
In addition, Rule 11 of L.I. 2008 permits electricity distribution utilities, principally the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company and Enclave Power Company, to undertake inspections and testing. In doing so, a utility is required to:
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Inspect and test an installation before it is used and conduct another inspection where an addition or alteration is made to its fixed wiring;
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Take precautions to prevent danger to persons and damage to property or installed equipment;
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Complete and sign the relevant Electrical Installation Certificate and schedule of inspection and test results; and
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Provide the documents to the person who requested the inspection where the installation passes the inspection and testing.
The law also prescribes sanctions for anyone who obstructs or refuses to permit an inspection. Upon summary conviction, an offender may be fined up to 250 penalty units, imprisoned for up to two years, or subjected to both penalties. Electricity supply to the premises may also be disconnected.
The pressing question, therefore, is where responsibility lies for the limited enforcement of these requirements. Is it with the Energy Commission, the electricity distribution utilities or both?
Across the country, poorly trained electricians continue to be engaged to wire buildings, while many residential and commercial premises do not undergo the required periodic inspections. This may be contributing to recurring fires in markets, homes and other buildings.
The time has come for the relevant authorities to enforce the law more effectively. If inadequate staffing is limiting the Energy Commission’s ability to conduct inspections, the government should support it to recruit and train qualified inspectors. Such an initiative could create employment while addressing a danger that continues to threaten lives and property.
