The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has addressed critics of his ministry over missing ECG containers recently traced to the Ghana Ports and Habours Authority (GPHA) in Tema.
In an interview with 3News and monitored by GhanaWeb, on May 26, 2025, the Spokesperson and Head of Communications at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Richmond Rockson, confirmed that the containers were located at multiple terminals within the Tema Port.
The minister had earlier stated on multiple media platforms that 1,300 containers procured by the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) had reportedly gone missing under the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He suggested possible lapses in the procurement processes at the electricity distribution company, while calling for accountability over the misuse of state resources.
Speaking before a parliamentary committee on June 3, 2025, Jinapor acknowledged that there was some controversy surrounding the missing containers, rejecting claim that his outfit employed semantics in recent report on same ‘missing’ ECG containers.
“Let’s assume that they were not missing. So, what is the issue? What matters is that we have accounted for every single container. That is the focus,” he stated.
He explained that a committee was set up to investigate the matter and they reported that 1,300 containers could not be located.
The minister insisted that his responsibility was to ensure all containers are found, describing the event as a top priority to him.
“I am not interested in playing with words. Semantics will not resolve the problem. What will resolve the problem is finding each and every container,” he said.
Jinapor also raised concerns about broader financial irregularities, accusing officials under the previous administration of gross mismanagement.
He cited a case where only GH₵900 million was approved for spending, whereas GH₵8.3 billion was reportedly expended over two years.
“Who slept on the job? There has been clear abuse and misuse of state resources. This cannot be allowed to slide,” he said.
He urged the committee to shift focus from the blame game and direct their attention to those responsible for the financial breaches.
He insisted that individuals found culpable in further probe will be held accountable.
“The minister should not be faulted for trying to locate the containers. That’s my job. More importantly, those responsible for the reckless dissipation of public funds must be held liable,” he stated.
Background
A special committee comprising representatives from National Security, the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA), and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority traced the missing ECG containers to the GPHA in Tema.
According to the briefing on April 30, 2025, the containers were found at the following locations:
860 at Meridian Port Services
1,237 at GPHA Terminals
272 already evacuated by National Security
194 at Amaris Terminal
20 at ATLAS Manufacturing Terminal
The committee indicated that, further investigations revealed that 2,437 of the containers had exceeded the 60-day clearance period, resulting in significant demurrage charges.
Authorities are continuing efforts to address the backlog and prevent future lapses in the importation and clearance process.
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