The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has come under intense public scrutiny following a shocking investigative report that revealed the disappearance of 1,347 containers meant for the power distribution company.
In an interview with Vaultz News, Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, did not mince words as he described the report’s findings as a glaring indication of systemic rot and a failure of institutional oversight.
“Containers cannot just get missing.
“I am sure these containers were stolen, possibly with the involvement of workers from the Ghana Standards Authority and other state agencies operating within the port area.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
Mr. Nsiah emphasized that the incident exposes the weaknesses in Ghana’s port security and the inefficiencies in procurement practices across state institutions.
He called for a broader investigation into the operations of state-owned entities, including ECG, to uncover the true extent of mismanagement.
“We need a forensic audit to determine whether these containers are still at the port or have been cleared to warehouses.
“This is an opportunity to reset and reform our systems,” he added.
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
Energy Security at Stake
Beyond the procurement failures, Mr. Nsiah warned that the disappearance of crucial energy infrastructure equipment could have a direct and negative impact on Ghana’s energy security.
“These containers were holding equipment necessary to upgrade our system — isolators, switch gears, transformers — all of which are critical to improving operational efficiency.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
He explained that without these assets, ECG’s ability to resolve power losses and enhance reliability is severely compromised, further affecting the affordability and availability of electricity to Ghanaians.
“The reliability of our power supply is now uncertain.
“These missing items were meant to reinforce our system, and their absence jeopardizes our ability to maintain a secure and affordable energy supply.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
The investigative report revealed that ECG’s liabilities have ballooned from GH₵23 billion in 2023 to GH₵68 billion in 2024. This alarming increase is attributed to over-procurement, demurrage costs, and clearance fees.
“The debt situation is worsening because many of these items were procured on credit, adding to the company’s liabilities.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
The report also uncovered instances of procurement beyond projected needs, leading to unnecessary financial burdens. “The demurrage costs alone are staggering, and this is a direct result of poor planning and mismanagement,” he added.
ECG’s Reputational Damage
Beyond the financial and operational challenges, the scandal has tarnished ECG’s reputation, making it difficult for the company to attract investment.
“The negative news surrounding ECG’s procurement issues gives potential investors an upper hand in negotiations.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
Mr. Nsiah stressed that the company’s credibility is crucial for securing partnerships and investments needed to modernize Ghana’s energy sector.
The situation has also raised questions about the integrity of ECG’s procurement department.
“We don’t just need intellect; we need honesty and integrity to manage these organizations.
“Without these qualities, even the most knowledgeable individuals can cause chaos.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
The investigative report has prompted calls for immediate reforms within ECG and other state-owned enterprises.
Mr. Nsiah suggested the formation of a new committee to evaluate procurement practices and recommend measures to prevent future lapses.
“This is not just about ECG; it’s about the broader governance issues affecting our state institutions.”
Mr. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy
The revelations have sparked widespread public outrage, with many Ghanaians questioning how such a massive loss could occur under the radar. Civil society groups and policy analysts have joined the call for transparency and accountability.
Some have recommended the establishment of an independent investigative commission, with powers to subpoena relevant documents and personnel, while others have suggested a national audit of all ongoing and past procurements across state agencies.
The ECG, for its part, has yet to issue a detailed public statement in response to the report.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has also pledged to address the findings of the report.
He assured the public that those responsible for the missing containers would be held accountable and that measures would be implemented to improve operational oversight within ECG.
This latest development in Ghana’s power sector highlights the critical need for stronger oversight mechanisms, transparency in procurement, and a renewed commitment to ethical leadership in public institutions.
The missing ECG containers could well become the catalyst for a long-overdue reckoning in how state resources are managed.
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