Energy Minister inaugurates Committee to investigate ECG’s uncleared containers

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has inaugurated a five-member committee to investigate the cause of over 2,500 uncleared containers procured by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and left at the port.

The committee, which has been given a one-month deadline, will also investigate ECG’s general procurement practices, the cost of the containers, liabilities involved, and recommend solutions on the way forward for the containers, which have led to mounting financial liabilities estimated at GHC 1.5 billion.

The committee is chaired by Prof Innocent Senyo Akwasi, a professor in procurement and supply chain management.

The other members are Georgette Emefa Fuga as Secretary, Vivian Ablakely, Abdulai Rahman, and Noble Yaw Kyei Addonu.

Clearing

The minister questioned why ECG had not cleared the containers, which contained critical materials, despite the suppliers presenting their bill of lading.

"We cannot sit idle and allow 1.5 billion cedis to be lost due to procurement failures.

"We cannot continue with business as usual; something must be done," he stated, urging the committee to complete its work within one month.

The establishment of this committee, he said, formed part of efforts towards addressing the ongoing challenges within ECG and ensuring a more sustainable energy future for the country.

He added that following the committee’s report, the ministry would work with other sector ministries, such as the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, to delve deeply into the findings, adding, "Whoever is found culpable, the law will take its course."

PUWU

After the inauguration, the minister met with members of the Public Utility Workers' Union (PUWU) as part of efforts to fraternise with stakeholders in the energy sector.

Mr Jinapor said any candid individual would attest that the sector was near collapse, hence the need to bring all sector players together to turn things around.

He reassured the delegation that the government had no intention of selling ECG, adding that private sector participation would be to enhance revenue collection.

“If we had taken a decision to sell, then there would be no need to consult you,” he said.

Mr Jinapor further expressed satisfaction with the Strategic Business Unit of ECG, which is intended to bring in the private sector to enhance operations.

He added that ECG could not continue to increase tariffs and “kill the people of Ghana with taxes.”

For his part, the General Secretary of PUWU, Timothy Nyame, congratulated the minister on his appointment and said the union would support the ministry in transforming the sector.