Minority in Parliament demands answers in ECG’s container saga

The Minority in Parliament has asked Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor to explain the missing containers belonging to ECG. They want him to clarify how many containers were found and where.

At a press conference, Collins Adomako Mensah, MP for Afigya Kwabre North, spoke on behalf of the minority. He noted that the number of retrieved containers exceeded the 1,300 previously mentioned by Jinapor.

The Ministry of Energy confirmed that 2,637 containers had been recovered. This is more than double the initial figure of 1,300. As of April 30, 2025, ECG still had 2,583 outstanding containers at various locations.

Richmond Rockson, a spokesperson for the ministry, provided details on where the containers were found. He stated that 860 were located at Meridian Port Services and 1,237 at GPHA Terminals. Additionally, National Security personnel evacuated 272 containers.

Other locations included Amaris Terminal with 194 containers and ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal with 20. Collins Adomako Mensah expressed serious concerns about these discrepancies.

In March this year, during a meeting between Jinapor and ECG officials, ECG reported having 2,491 uncleared containers at Tema Port. In response to this claim, Jinapor formed a committee led by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah to investigate.

The committee discovered that only 1,134 containers were actually present at the port. This left a discrepancy of 1,357 missing containers. Jinapor assured the public that an investigation would take place.

He stated that over 1,300 missing containers could not simply vanish. A committee involving National Security and other agencies was established to look into this issue further.

Rockson later revealed that an analysis showed there were actually 2,437 uncleared cargoes exceeding the clearance window. Only 41 verified lists had been cleared from the port.

He explained that delays in clearing these containers resulted in high port charges. The ministry plans to work with ECG and port authorities on payment issues related to these charges.

Rockson also mentioned directives from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah regarding immediate evacuation of all retrieved containers to safe warehouses for inventory checks.

Jinapor acknowledged challenges stemming from ECG's procurement methods which allowed items to be consigned without proper clearance. He directed ECG to change this approach moving forward.

Suppliers must now clear and deliver any procured items directly to ECG. Additionally, non-essential procurements by ECG have been suspended until policies are reviewed.

Rockson disclosed that former ECG Managing Director Subik Mahama has been questioned by security agencies regarding this matter. Some staff members have also been asked to step aside during investigations.

He concluded by stating that the Office of the Attorney-General will provide guidance on next steps in this case. The minister assured everyone involved would be held accountable if found culpable.