The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has launched a five-member committee to examine the reasons behind over 2,500 unprocessed containers purchased by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) that remain at the port.
The committee has been assigned a one-month timeframe to also explore ECG’s overall procurement practices, the cost of the containers, associated liabilities, and to suggest solutions for the containers, which have resulted in accumulating financial liabilities estimated at GHC 1.5 billion.
Prof Innocent Senyo Akwasi, a professor in procurement and supply chain management, will chair the committee.
Additional members include Georgette Emefa Fuga as Secretary, alongside Vivian Ablakely, Abdulai Rahman, and Noble Yaw Kyei Addonu.
The minister expressed concern over ECG’s failure to clear the containers, which hold essential materials, even with the suppliers having submitted their bill of lading.
“We cannot remain complacent and allow 1.5 billion cedis to be squandered due to failures in procurement.
“We must not proceed as if business is usual; decisive action is necessary,” he stated, urging the committee to finalize its work within the given month.
He noted that the formation of this committee is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the challenges faced by ECG and to ensure a more sustainable energy future for the nation.
Following the committee’s report, he indicated that the ministry would collaborate with other sector ministries, including the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, to thoroughly investigate the findings, stating, “Whoever is found responsible will face the law.”
PUWU
Subsequent to the inauguration, the minister held discussions with members of the Public Utility Workers’ Union (PUWU) as a part of his efforts to engage with stakeholders in the energy sector.
Mr Jinapor remarked that any honest individual would agree that the sector is on the verge of collapse, thus emphasizing the importance of uniting all sector participants to initiate change.
He reassured the delegation that the government does not plan to privatize ECG, noting that the involvement of the private sector would be aimed at improving revenue collection.
“If we had decided to sell, there would have been no reason to consult you,” he explained.
Mr Jinapor further expressed his contentment with the Strategic Business Unit of ECG, which aims to incorporate the private sector to enhance operations.
He emphasized that ECG cannot continue to raise tariffs and “impose burdensome taxes on the people of Ghana.”
In response, the General Secretary of PUWU, Timothy Nyame, congratulated the minister on his appointment and expressed the union’s commitment to supporting the ministry in transforming the sector.
