Energy Minister Looks Into Dubik Mahama's 2,500 Seized ECG Containers

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has launched a five-member committee to investigate the cause of more than 2,500 uncleared containers purchased by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and left at the port. These containers, which contain vital materials procured under the previous administration, are linked to former ECG Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama. The delay in clearing the containers has led to an accumulation of demurrage charges totaling a massive GH¢1.5 billion.

The procurement department at ECG claims that the containers contain critical consumables, with some items expected to last up to 20 years. Among the materials found in the containers are socks, reflective vests, and various ECG-branded uniforms. It is reported that current management at ECG is imposing these items on workers, possibly to legitimize the procurement process that has been criticized as unnecessary. Sources indicate that most of these procurements were not subjected to competitive bidding, with Mahama allegedly merging the procurement department with the estate department, bypassing proper procurement protocols and failing to consider value for money.

The committee, which has been given a month to complete its investigation, is tasked with reviewing ECG’s procurement practices, the cost of the containers, the liabilities involved, and recommending solutions to resolve the growing financial burden. The committee will be led by Prof. Innocent Senyo Akwasi, a procurement and supply chain management expert, with Georgette Emefa Fuga serving as Secretary. The other members of the committee include Vivian Ablakely, Abdulai Rahman, and Noble Yaw Kyei Addonu.

Minister Jinapor expressed his concerns about why ECG has not cleared the containers despite having the necessary documentation from suppliers. He called the situation unacceptable and made it clear that the Ministry cannot tolerate such financial losses due to poor procurement practices. “We cannot sit idle and allow GH¢1.5 billion to be lost due to procurement failures,” Jinapor stated, underscoring the need for urgent action. He directed the committee to complete its investigation within one month and emphasized that the findings would form the basis of the next steps to mitigate further financial losses.

The establishment of this committee is part of a broader strategy to address the persistent issues within ECG and promote a more sustainable energy future for Ghana. Jinapor made it clear that the investigation would not only look into the current issue but also help address broader inefficiencies within ECG. “We cannot continue with business as usual; something must be done,” he stated, signaling a shift toward greater transparency and accountability in the energy sector.

Once the committee has completed its report, Jinapor stated that the Ministry of Energy would collaborate with other relevant government agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice, to analyze the findings and take appropriate legal action. He emphasized that anyone found responsible for mismanagement or negligence would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

In addition to the investigation, Minister Jinapor recently visited the Tema Harbour to personally assess the situation regarding the 2,500 containers. This visit highlighted his commitment to resolving inefficiencies within the energy sector and ensuring that public resources are managed prudently. Jinapor expressed deep concern about the situation, describing it as an unacceptable waste of national resources. He also highlighted the urgent need to clear the containers to prevent further financial losses and support key energy projects that would benefit Ghana’s citizens.

The Minister also assured the public that preventive measures would be put in place to avoid such issues in the future. The Ministry of Energy will focus on improving operational efficiency and accountability, ensuring that public resources are used effectively to support the country’s long-term energy and developmental goals.

Following the committee’s inauguration, Minister Jinapor met with members of the Public Utility Workers Union (PUWU) to strengthen relationships with stakeholders in the energy sector. His ongoing engagement with various groups reflects his determination to resolve the issues within ECG and ensure that the energy sector operates efficiently and in the best interest of the people of Ghana.