Energy Minister Vows Prosecution Over Missing ECG Containers
The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in procurement breaches and the disappearance of over 1,300 shipping containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Speaking on Friday, March 28, 2025, during an inspection of missing cables discovered by National Security at Dangfang Company Ltd, Ponlok Manufacturing Company Ltd (Shai Hills), and a warehouse in Kpone, Mr. Jinapor declared that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
He further stated that the government would seek court orders to auction the assets of convicted individuals and companies to recover the cost of the stolen items, with proceeds invested in the national power grid.
Discovery of Stolen ECG Cables
During his visit, Mr. Jinapor, accompanied by Ministry officials, witnessed ECG-branded cable drums and cables being smelted into aluminium rods for export at the factories. At Kpone, a warehouse was found stocked with suspected ECG cables.
According to the Minister, investigations launched since his assumption of office this year revealed that over 1,300 containers went missing from Tema Port, prompting a security crackdown that led to these discoveries.
Preliminary findings suggest the thefts date back to 2019, orchestrated by a criminal syndicate.
"We will pursue every individual and organization involved in this cartel," Mr. Jinapor vowed.
Procurement Irregularities and Over-Expenditure
Highlighting financial mismanagement, he revealed that:
🔹 In 2014, ECG’s procurement budget was $1.397 billion, but spending ballooned to $8.2 billion.
🔹 In 2023, the approved budget was under $1 billion, yet ECG spent $8.3 billion—over 700% more than approved.
🔹 The same occurred in 2024, with $8.2 billion in procurements.
Mr. Jinapor dismissed attempts to politicize the issue, stating that while the previous government failed to act since 2019, his administration will ensure accountability.
"I want my containers. Simple as that. We will find them, wherever they are," he declared.
Arrests and Investigations
Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at the National Security Council Secretariat, confirmed that 14 individuals—10 Chinese nationals and four Ghanaians—had been arrested in connection with the thefts.
He added that some suspects attempted to bribe security personnel, but the officers remained steadfast in executing their duties.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the missing containers, with further updates to follow.
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