ECG had no records on some of the retrieved containers; 54 still missing – Ministry of Energy

The Ministry of Energy has uncovered lapses in the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) inventory management, revealing that 54 containers remain unaccounted for despite the recovery of 2,637 containers at the Tema Port.

Speaking on Citi FM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, said a special committee was established to trace ECG’s missing containers.

The committee comprises representatives from National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

According to Mr Rockson, 2,637 containers linked to ECG have so far been traced, with 2,583 physically verified. These include 860 at Meridian Port Services, 1,237 at GPHA terminals, 272 held by National Security, 194 at Amaris Terminal, and 20 at Atlas Manufacturing Terminal.

However, 54 containers are still missing, and investigations are underway to determine their whereabouts.

The findings follow a probe launched in March 2025 after the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, raised concerns over ECG’s inability to account for 2,491 uncleared containers at the port. At the time, only 1,134 had been verified, leaving 1,357 untraced.

Mr Rockson noted that earlier reports from the transition team had put the figure at 3,000, but this was subsequently revised to 2,491. He said the discrepancies point to poor record-keeping within ECG.

“Some containers that ECG had no record of were found, while others listed in their inventory could not be located,” he stated. He further revealed procurement irregularities, including the purchase of equipment that was already available in stock.

The containers in question are said to contain cables and other electrical equipment essential for power distribution.

Mr Rockson added that delays in clearing the containers had resulted in significant demurrage charges, with 2,437 of them exceeding the 60-day limit. To date, only 40 containers have been cleared, leaving 2,597 still at the port.

The Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, has directed ECG to transfer all retrieved containers to secure storage facilities and conduct a full inventory to confirm their contents.

Mr Rockson also disclosed that the Ministry had identified instances where equipment ordered by ECG had remained in storage for over a decade, while other containers had either been left uncleared or auctioned.

He said the Minister has instructed ECG to suspend all non-essential procurement and adopt a new model under which suppliers will be required to clear and deliver goods directly.

Investigations are ongoing, with both former and current senior ECG staff under scrutiny. Mr Rockson said the Attorney-General’s office would advise on any legal action once the investigations are concluded.