An ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Energy has revealed that over 2,600 containers consigned to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been retrieved, exceeding the number previously reported as missing.
According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, a total of 2,637 containers were identified at the Tema Port during a committee-led investigation into ECG’s inventory and clearing practices—more than double the 1,300 containers initially believed to be unaccounted for.
The discovery follows concerns raised earlier this year, when ECG disclosed during a meeting with the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, that 2,491 containers of critical equipment—including power cables—had not been cleared from the port. A committee chaired by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah was subsequently tasked with verifying the claims.
A preliminary audit had reported only 1,134 containers on-site, prompting fears of a significant loss of assets. However, a broader inter-agency investigation—comprising officials from National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and Customs—found the actual figure stood at 2,637 containers, contradicting initial assessments.
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As of April 30, 2025, 2,583 containers remain uncleared, many of which have surpassed the 60-day clearance deadline and are now classified under the Uncleared Cargo List (UCL), according to Mr Rockson. Only 41 containers have been successfully cleared in recent months.
Procurement Model Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of Energy attributes the backlog and confusion in container tracking to ECG’s procurement approach, which involved consigning containers directly to the company without prior clearance. In response, Minister Jinapor has directed ECG to halt all non-essential procurement activities and has mandated a shift in practice: suppliers must now be responsible for clearing and delivering all items to ECG.
“This new directive is to ensure transparency and efficiency in ECG’s supply chain and to prevent further accumulation of port charges,” Mr Rockson stated.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has also issued instructions for the immediate evacuation of all retrieved containers to ECG-designated warehouses. A full inventory will be conducted to account for all contents.
Legal Action and Accountability
In line with the probe, former ECG Managing Director, Subik Mahama, has been questioned by security agencies and has submitted a caution statement. Other staff members implicated in the investigation have been asked to step aside pending further review.
Mr. Rockson added that the Attorney-General’s Office has been briefed and is expected to offer legal advice on how to proceed with any potential prosecutions.
“You have the minister’s full assurance that accountability will be enforced. Any individuals found culpable will face appropriate legal consequences,” he affirmed.
The Ministry of Energy says the recovery of the containers marks a major step toward restoring public trust and improving efficiency at one of Ghana’s key state-owned utilities.
