Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has responded to an investigative report on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which revealed that over 1,350 containers intended for the company are missing from the Tema Port.
Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah, the chairman of the investigative committee, reported that while ECG initially stated it had 2,491 uncleared containers at the port, an independent audit found only 1,134, leaving 1,347 containers unaccounted for.
In presenting the findings to the Minister, Prof. Acquah emphasized the discrepancies and raised concerns about the possibility of theft or diversion of the missing containers.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Jinapor confirmed the situation, stating, “A single container could be worth about $500,000, and now we are told over 1,350 containers have disappeared from the port. This is shocking.”
He acknowledged that ECG’s records indicate some containers are tied up in legal issues but questioned how such a significant number could go missing without proper documentation or accountability.
“We will get to the bottom of this. How did these containers disappear without a trace? I am convinced that theft or diversion is involved,” he said. The minister emphasized that all relevant agencies, including Customs and National Security, would be involved in the investigation to locate the missing containers.
“The records will reveal their whereabouts. We will not tolerate anyone found responsible,” he added.
Mr. Jinapor also noted that some containers, which include essential items like electrical cables, are still unaccounted for.
“We still don’t know the full contents of those missing containers,” he remarked. As part of immediate actions, he announced that ECG’s procurement unit would be reorganized within a week.
“It cannot continue as usual. We’re not targeting anyone, but we will ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he assured.
The Minister further instructed that the remaining containers be moved to a secure warehouse under the protection of National Security.
“These 1,350 containers didn’t just disappear. I am convinced they have been stolen. We will work with the Attorney General and the Police to ensure the culprits are brought to justice, and we will either recover the containers or their monetary value,” he stated.
The investigation began after the minister’s visit to the port in January 2025, where the uncleared containers were discovered.
A five-member committee was appointed to review ECG’s procurement practices, assess the cost of the containers, and determine the liabilities, which are estimated at GH₵1.5 billion.
