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1,300+ ECG Containers Vanish at Tema Port – Shocking Report

Over 1,300 ECG Containers Missing at Tema Port – Investigative Report Uncovers Major Procurement Lapses

port 1 — Over 1,300 ECG Containers Missing at Tema Port

An in-depth investigative report has revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is unable to account for over 1,300 shipping containers that were expected to be cleared at the Tema Port. This shocking revelation has raised serious concerns about procurement and financial mismanagement within the state-owned power distribution company.

The committee leading the investigation, chaired by Professor Innocent Senyo Acquah, disclosed that ECG initially claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers containing essential equipment such as cables and transformers. However, an independent audit conducted at the port found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,347 unaccounted for.

The investigative findings were officially presented to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor. According to Prof. Acquah, prior to 2022, ECG had a dedicated fund receiving weekly allocations specifically for clearing these containers. However, this practice was abruptly discontinued due to financial constraints cited by the ECG board.

During the period in question, ECG awarded contracts to two separate companies for the clearance of the containers. Notably, one of these firms was pre-financed by ECG. Investigators discovered that one of these contractors did not possess the necessary licensing credentials, raising serious concerns over procurement breaches and regulatory violations.

The report further exposed structural weaknesses within ECG’s procurement division. The committee found that the company’s Procurement Directorate had been merged with the Housing and Estate unit, an unusual move that could have contributed to poor oversight. Additionally, a background check on the Director of Procurement revealed a startling lack of qualifications—he had no prior experience in procurement and was not affiliated with any professional procurement body.

Reacting to the report, Minister Jinapor described the findings as deeply troubling. He assured the public that his ministry, in collaboration with the Attorney-General and law enforcement agencies, would conduct a full-scale investigation.

“The disappearance of over 1,300 containers cannot be ignored. We will take decisive action to hold those responsible accountable and recover the missing assets or their monetary equivalent,” the minister stated.

In response to the procurement concerns raised, Minister Jinapor also announced an urgent restructuring of ECG’s procurement operations. He confirmed that the Procurement Directorate would be decoupled within a week to enhance transparency and efficiency.

“This is not about targeting individuals but ensuring that accountability and due process are upheld. Business cannot continue as usual,” he emphasized.

The investigation was initiated following the Minister’s visit to the Tema Port in January 2025, where the alarming number of uncleared ECG containers first came to light. A five-member committee was formed to examine ECG’s procurement processes, assess the financial implications of the missing containers, and determine liabilities. Preliminary estimates suggest that the financial impact of the missing assets could be as high as GH₵1.5 billion.

This developing situation underscores the need for stringent oversight in state-owned enterprises to curb procurement irregularities and financial mismanagement. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the ECG and the government’s next course of action to address this major accountability crisis.

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