We found ECG cables being smelted into aluminium rods – Energy Minister

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to prosecuting those responsible for procurement violations. This includes the disappearance of over 1,300 shipping containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

During an inspection, he stated, “These are ECG cables. They are meant for ECG but end up in factories. There, they are melted down to produce aluminum rods. That is criminal.” His comments came on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Mr. Jinapor visited Dangfang Company Ltd and Ponlok Manufacturing Company Ltd near Shai Hills. He also toured a warehouse in Kpone with officials from the Energy Ministry. They found cable drums marked as ECG property being melted down for export.

“We will trace these containers,” he assured. “They have serial numbers and manifests. We will ensure that the law takes its course.”

The minister criticized financial mismanagement within ECG as well. He highlighted reckless procurement practices that have led to a financial crisis.

“They engaged in frivolous over-expenditure,” he remarked. “They procured items without money to clear them.”

He revealed alarming figures about their procurement practices: “In 2023, their planned procurement was less than $1 billion.” However, they ended up procuring $8.3 billion—over $7.3 billion more than approved.

“In 2024, they procured $8.2 billion,” he added. “This is over 700% more than what was approved.”