Former ECG MD Ready to Cooperate with Probe into 1,300 Missing Containers
Samuel Dubik Mahama, the former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has declared his willingness to cooperate fully with any investigation into the disappearance of over 1,300 ECG containers at Tema Port, amid growing public scrutiny over the controversy.
The scandal, which has triggered significant concern, involves 1,357 missing containers that were meant to support ECG’s operations. According to an investigative report, out of 2,491 containers expected to be cleared and distributed, a substantial number remain unaccounted for.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, April 3, Mahama distanced ECG from direct responsibility, stating that the containers were never in the company’s custody. “If they were in ECG’s custody, then you can hold ECG responsible, but this is the case that they were still under the port authorities,” he said. “I am all for whatever investigations there will be, and I am ready to sit with whoever to give my side of the story.”
The investigative report also raised several red flags regarding ECG’s handling of shipments:
Prior to 2022, ECG had a dedicated fund for clearing imports, but this was discontinued due to financial constraints.
Despite funding challenges, ECG awarded contracts to two firms to clear shipments—one of which was pre-financed by ECG.
One of these companies lacked the required licensing, raising concerns over procurement violations.
ECG’s procurement directorate had been merged with its Housing and Estate unit, leading to structural inefficiencies.
The Director of Procurement had no prior experience in procurement and was not affiliated with any professional procurement body.
The findings suggest deep-seated governance and financial management issues within ECG, further complicating the controversy surrounding the missing shipments. As authorities move forward with investigations, questions remain about accountability and the potential financial impact on the power distributor.
