Energy Minister Exposes Alleged Financial Irregularities at ECG
Energy Minister, John Jinapor, has uncovered what he describes as systemic procurement irregularities at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), raising concerns over governance and financial management within the state-owned utility.
Mr Jinapor claims ECG has persistently failed to clear essential electrical supplies from the country’s ports, incurring substantial financial losses.
In one particularly egregious case, he detailed how a consignment of equipment valued at $500,000 was left unclaimed, subsequently auctioned at a fraction of its cost, and later repurchased by ECG at a premium.
“I checked with the port, and the security report I received shows that a container worth about $500,000 was imported. ECG couldn’t clear it, and somehow, someone was able to buy it at auction for 100,000 cedis, then resell it to ECG for $300,000,” he told TV3.
The minister vowed to implement corrective measures, warning that entrenched interests resisting reform would not be spared.
“It will stop. And I mean it will stop. Whatever it takes to stop that, no matter how unpopular that may be, we must take action,” he declared.
The revelations have intensified calls for governance reforms at ECG, with stakeholders urging a broader investigation into procurement practices within Ghana’s energy sector.
Investigative Committee to Scrutinise ECG Procurement
In response to mounting concerns, the Energy Minister has commissioned a committee to examine ECG’s procurement activities under the Akufo-Addo administration. The probe aims to assess compliance with procurement protocols, particularly concerning equipment left at the ports.
“We’ve commissioned a committee to investigate ECG’s procurements and the cost of these containers stuck at the ports. The committee is making significant progress,” he noted.
Preliminary findings, according to the minister, suggest significant procurement malpractice within the organisation.
“The reports I have received so far indicate systemic inefficiencies and financial mismanagement at ECG,” Jinapor asserted.
Comprehensive Energy Sector Audit Imminent
Beyond ECG, the Minister has announced a broader audit of Ghana’s energy sector, encompassing financial, human resource, and technical evaluations.
“What PwC has conducted so far is a financial audit. We now intend to undertake a more comprehensive review, including human resource and technical audits, to provide a clearer understanding of inefficiencies and inform future policy directives,” he disclosed.
The findings from these investigations are expected to shape structural reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in Ghana’s energy sector.
