ECG Stolen Containers Scandal: Unraveling the Procurement Fraud Under the NPP Government

Introduction

Ghana’s energy sector has been rocked by a massive scandal involving the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. The investigation reveals a complex web of procurement fraud, missing containers, and financial mismanagement.

This article delves into how 1,328 ECG containers mysteriously disappeared, the questionable procurement deals, and the role key officials played in the scandal.

The ECG Container Scandal: What Happened?

Transition Period Revelation

During the transition from the NPP to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, the outgoing administration reported that 3,000 ECG containers were stuck at the port. However, upon investigation, the actual number was 2,500, raising the first red flag.

Investigation and Discrepancies

1. The Minister of Energy commissioned an investigative committee.
2. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) confirmed only 1,132 containers at the port.
3. ECG documents, however, recorded 2,462 containers—a discrepancy of 1,328 missing containers.

Inside the ECG Procurement Scandal

Suspicious Procurement Practices

1. ECG previously deposited GHS 5 million weekly into a shipping account for rapid clearance of imports.
2. In 2022, ECG MD Dubik Mahama unilaterally stopped payments, leading to a backlog of containers.
3. ECG management claimed financial constraints but continued importing more containers.
4. By 2024, demurrage fees exceeded GHS 1.5 million.

Dubious Single-Sourced Contracts

Rather than using ECG’s internal resources, Dubik Mahama introduced two obscure companies to clear the backlog:

• MINT LOGISTICS (10 employees) cleared 1,110 containers at GHS 160,000 per container, totaling GHS 177 million.
• AWARDS BOND LIMITED (1 employee) cleared 200 containers at GHS 115,000 per container, totaling GHS 23 million.

The Cycle of Corruption

• Containers arrived but were not cleared.
• ECG awarded no-bid contracts to private clearing firms.
• Containers were stolen, auctioned cheaply, or looted.
• Cables and equipment were sold to Chinese and Indian firms, melted, and re-exported.
• ECG repurchased the same equipment at inflated prices.

Procurement Deviations at ECG (2022-2024)

Systematic Collapse of ECG Procurement

• The procurement department was merged with the estate department.
• The procurement head was removed and replaced with an official with no procurement background.

Who Was Responsible?

This scandal unfolded under key NPP officials:

• Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) – Energy Minister
• Dubik Mahama – ECG Managing Director
• Kelly Gadzekpo – ECG Board Chairman
• Alexander Afenyo-Markin – Later ECG Board Chair before NPP’s election loss

Call to Action: Demand Accountability

The ECG container scandal represents a massive financial loss and deep-rooted corruption that must not go unpunished. Ghanaians must demand:

• A full forensic audit of ECG procurement practices.
• Legal action against those responsible.
• Stronger anti-corruption measures in the energy sector.

Learn More:

• Ghana Audit Service Report on ECG 
• World Bank Report on Procurement Fraud 
• How to File a Complaint with Ghana’s Special Prosecutor 

Conclusion

This scandal is a wake-up call for Ghana’s public institutions. The missing ECG containers, fraudulent procurement processes, and financial mismanagement must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Join the movement for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s energy sector!