The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has firmly reiterated the government’s commitment to prosecuting those involved in procurement violations and the disappearance of over 1,300 shipping containers filled with assets belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
During an inspection on March 28, 2025, at Dangfang Company Ltd and Ponlok Manufacturing Company Ltd near Shai Hills, as well as a warehouse in Kpone, where missing ECG cables were found being melted down for export, Mr. Jinapor described the act as “criminal.”
He stated that cables meant for ECG were being unlawfully sold to factories, where they were melted down into aluminum rods for resale.
“These are ECG cables, meant for use by ECG, but they are being diverted to factories where they are melted down and sold. That is criminal,” he stated, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The minister assured the public that authorities would track down the missing containers, which are traceable through their serial numbers and manifests. “We will ensure that the law takes its course,” he vowed, pledging full accountability for those responsible.
In addition to the cable theft, Mr. Jinapor also criticized the financial mismanagement within ECG, pointing to reckless procurement practices that have contributed to the company’s financial distress.
He pointed out that ECG had engaged in excessive spending, procuring items they lacked the funds to clear.
“The financial mismanagement is alarming,” Jinapor noted, adding that the procurement budget in 2023 was less than $1 billion, yet ECG spent $8.3 billion, over $7.3 billion more than the approved amount.
This trend continued into 2024, with the company spending $8.2 billion, marking an increase of over 700% from what had been approved.
The situation reflects serious inefficiencies within ECG and raises concerns over its ability to manage resources properly. The missing cables and overspending have placed the company in a precarious financial position, further aggravating the energy sector’s crisis.
As investigations continue into the procurement violations and missing assets, the Energy Ministry, under Jinapor’s leadership, is determined to hold accountable those involved in these illegal activities, aiming to restore financial discipline and transparency to ECG.
The ongoing probe is expected to have significant consequences for the future of the company and the broader energy sector in Ghana.
