Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. Abdulai John Jinapor, has vowed to ensure that all 1,300 missing containers of consignments belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are fully accounted for.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on March 28, 2025 following the discovery of some missing containers and the subsequent arrest of foreign nationals, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to putting an end to the illegal sale of ECG consignments through dubious means.
“As Minister for Energy and Green Transition, my vision is simple: I want all 1,346 containers accounted for. Whatever it takes, I will ensure that those containers are returned to their rightful place,” he told the House.
The minister refuted claims of inconsistency in his statements on the matter, insisting that he has the president’s full backing to oversee the full recovery of the missing containers.
“Yesterday, when President Mahama called me, his message was simple; ‘Jinapor, you have my full backing; go full throttle.’ And that is exactly what we are doing. We’ve already arrested some Chinese nationals, and we are on the trail of some Indian nationals who have fled,” he stated.
According to the minister, this situation has been occurring for years.
“This is a House of records, so I am being very cautious. I’ve received numerous briefings, and I am beginning to identify those behind this. This has been going on for years, but I will put a stop to it, immediately.
“And, Mr. Speaker, it will not only stop; we will retrieve the missing containers and materials, prosecute the perpetrators, and recover the lost funds,” he declared.
A recent investigation revealed that over 1,300 ECG containers meant for clearance at Tema Port were missing.
An audit found only 1,134 of 2,491 reported containers, exposing procurement irregularities such as unlicensed contracts and the discontinuation of a clearance fund.
Minister of Energy John Jinapor launched a criminal probe, leading to the discovery of 40 containers in Kpone and the arrest of 19 suspects, including Chinese and Ghanaian nationals.
Some cables were found at a Shai Hills smelter, where they had been melted for export since 2019.
GA/MA
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