2,637 ECG containers found

The Ministry of Energy has retrieved 2,637 containers from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). This number is double what was initially thought to be missing.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Richmond Rockson spoke about the findings. He said a committee was investigating 1,300 unaccounted containers. Instead, they found 2,637 containers at the Port of Tema.

As of April 30, 2025, ECG had 2,583 outstanding containers in various locations. Mr. Rockson reported that 860 were at Meridian Port Services and 1,237 at GPHA Terminals. Additionally, National Security personnel evacuated 272 containers.

He also mentioned that 194 were located at Amaris Terminal and 20 at ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal.

In March this year, during a meeting with ECG officials, Minister John Abdulai Jinapor learned about uncleared containers. ECG claimed there were 2,491 uncleared containers filled with essential equipment at Tema Port.

The minister then formed a committee led by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah to investigate these claims. The committee found only 1,134 containers after an independent audit. This left a discrepancy of 1,357 missing containers.

Mr. Jinapor expressed concern over this situation and promised an investigation. He stated that over 1,300 containers could not simply vanish and assured accountability for those responsible.

Following this, another committee was formed including members from National Security and Customs to further investigate the missing ECG containers. Mr. Rockson noted that analysis showed that many of these exceeded the clearance window and were classified as uncleared cargo.

He explained that delays in clearing resulted in excessive port charges for ECG. The ministry plans to engage with port authorities on outstanding payments related to these charges.

The Chief of Staff directed immediate evacuation of all retrieved containers to safe warehouses for ECG. An inventory will be taken to ensure all materials are accounted for.

Mr. Rockson acknowledged challenges due to ECG's procurement method where items were consigned without clearance. Consequently, he stated that Mr. Jinapor directed ECG to change this procurement approach.

“Suppliers must clear and deliver any procured items directly,” he emphasized. The minister also instructed ECG to suspend non-essential procurements until policies are reviewed.

Mr. Rockson revealed that former Managing Director Subik Mahama has been invited by security agencies for questioning regarding the matter. Some ECG staff have been asked to step aside during investigations.

He confirmed that the Office of the Attorney-General would provide guidance on next steps in this case. “Anyone found culpable will be held responsible,” he assured.