The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has formed a committee to investigate procurement activities carried out by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under the Akufo-Addo administration.
According to the minister, there are strong indications that ECG engaged in excessive and unnecessary procurements, leading to financial losses for the company.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on February 16, 2025, Jinapor revealed that approximately 3,000 containers belonging to ECG are currently stuck at the ports, accruing demurrage fees amounting to about GHS 1.5 billion.
“This situation is unacceptable. These procurements are highly questionable—some of the equipment acquired will last for a decade, while others will expire within five years. This points to poor planning and wasteful spending,” he stated.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement at ECG
Jinapor emphasized that the committee’s preliminary findings suggest serious procurement irregularities, with former ECG management failing to adhere to standard procedures.
“The initial reports I’ve received indicate massive financial mismanagement within ECG. Due processes were ignored, and resources were not utilized efficiently,” he said.
To address these concerns, the committee has been tasked with thoroughly assessing ECG’s procurement history and determining the financial impact of the containers stranded at the ports.
Comprehensive Audit of the Energy Sector
In addition to ECG’s probe, the minister announced plans to conduct a broader review of Ghana’s energy sector, including a human resource audit and a deeper technical evaluation.
“While PwC has conducted a financial audit, we need to go further with a human resource audit and a sector-wide assessment. This will provide a clearer picture of inefficiencies and guide the formulation of effective policies,” he explained.
Jinapor assured that the government remains committed to improving accountability and efficiency within the energy sector, vowing to take necessary steps to correct past mismanagement and ensure transparency in future operations.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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