John Abdulai Jinapor (3rd from left), Minister of Energy, with committee members after the inauguration
John Abdulai Jinapor (3rd from left), Minister of Energy, with committee members after the inauguration

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, would also investigate in general, ECG’s procurement practices, cost of the containers and liabilities involved and recommend solutions on the way forward for the containers, which have led to mounting financial liabilities estimated at GH¢1.5 billion.

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

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

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Clearing

The minister wondered why ECG had not cleared the containers, which had 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 the ECG and ensuring a more sustainable energy future for the country.

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

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 to turn things around.

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

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

Mr Jinapor further expressed pleasure about the Strategic Business Unit of the ECG meant 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 to transform the sector. 

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