Energy minister exposes massive GH¢7.3bn procurement breaches at ECG in 2023

Energy Minister John Jinapor has revealed serious financial mismanagement at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). He highlighted a pattern of overspending that has drained the company's resources.

In 2014, ECG planned to spend GH¢1.397 billion. However, by year-end, actual spending reached GH¢8.2 billion, far exceeding their budget.

A similar issue occurred in 2023. ECG initially planned for under GH¢1 billion but spent GH¢8.3 billion instead. This exceeded the budget by over GH¢7.3 billion.

"This represents a staggering 700 percent increase," Jinapor emphasized. In 2022, ECG procured items worth GH¢1.3 billion. By 2023, this amount skyrocketed to GH¢8.3 billion and was projected at GH¢8.2 billion for 2024.

This reckless overspending has severely crippled ECG financially, he lamented.

National Security Operatives have arrested fourteen people related to missing containers belonging to ECG. This group includes ten Chinese nationals and four Ghanaians.

Jinapor assured Ghanaians that those responsible would be held accountable. The government aims to stabilize ECG’s finances.

"In simple terms, I want my containers back," he declared. "We will trace them wherever they are."

Those apprehended will face prosecution in court. The government plans to seek an order to sell their assets and invest the money into the grid system for better power delivery.

Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan confirmed no Indians were arrested regarding the missing containers. Instead, he noted that fourteen individuals were detained: ten Chinese nationals and four Ghanaians.