Energy Commission announces enforcement of new electrical wiring regulations

The Energy Commission has unveiled the implementation and enforcement of the Electrical Wiring Cables and Accessories Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2478).

This legislative instrument aims to curb the influx of substandard electrical cables and accessories, ensuring that only products meeting the standards set by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) are available in the country.

The full roll-out of these regulations is scheduled to begin in June 2025, starting with several key activities: establishing an Implementation Committee by December 31, 2024; ongoing sensitization and awareness campaigns throughout 2024; initial registration in January 2025; and pilot implementation in March 2025.

About L.I. 2478

The Electrical Wiring Cables and Accessories Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2478), were passed by Parliament to ensure the availability of safe electrical wiring cables and accessories in Ghana.

Why L.I. 2478 was passed

Concerns were raised about certain electrical wiring cables and accessories on the Ghanaian market failing to meet minimum acceptable standards set by the GSA, thereby exposing the public to fire and electrocution hazards.

At a stakeholders' engagement in Tamale on the implementation of L.I. 2478, Assistant Manager at the Energy Commission, Stephen N-ebe Yomoh, emphasized that the regulations target manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and installers of electrical products to ensure that only approved and safe materials are used.

Mr. Yomoh stated that the enforcement of L.I. 2478 will make it illegal to import, manufacture, store, or sell wiring cables or accessories that do not comply with Ghanaian standards. He added that wholesalers and retailers will be legally required to verify the compliance of their products.

The new enforcement regime will provide legal backing for the testing of cables and accessories by the GSA and establish mechanisms to identify non-compliant products.

Moreover, the enforcement will empower the Energy Commission, GSA, Customs, and the Ghana Police Service to inspect and seize any non-compliant electrical goods found in facilities suspected of storing or selling such items.

Mr. Yomoh urged facility owners to prioritize quality over price when purchasing cables and accessories, cautioning against the temptation to buy cheaper, substandard materials. "Facility owners and customers should be wary of low-priced options. If a cable costs GHS 800 and another costs GHGH¢200, they must ask questions. Using substandard materials exposes you, your family, and others to serious risks of electrocution and fire hazards," he noted.

He further emphasized that Ghana boasts an electricity access rate of about 88%, significantly higher than the regional average of 40-50%. This high access rate increases the risk for many Ghanaians if substandard materials are used.