ECG Container Scandal: Mahama ordered to sack John Jinapor with immediate effect

The Institute for Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately relieve the Minister of Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, of his duties. This follows the controversy surrounding missing ECG containers at the Tema Port, which were later found, exposing major inconsistencies in the minister’s earlier report.

The Energy Minister had earlier announced that about 1,357 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) had gone missing at the Tema Port. He explained that of the 2,491 containers meant for ECG, only 1,134 had been accounted for, leaving the rest untraced. He used this to highlight what he called deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement at ECG.

However, a joint investigative committee later discovered 2,637 previously unaccounted-for containers sitting in different terminals within the Tema Port. This number not only contradicts the minister’s earlier claims but also exceeds the number he originally stated as missing.

In a press statement released on May 27, 2025, and shared on GhanaWeb Business, the IERPP questioned the minister’s credibility. They noted that the wide gap between the initial figures and the findings of the joint investigation points to a lack of due diligence and possibly a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The Institute stated,

“This significant discrepancy raises serious concerns about the accuracy, methodology, and motives behind the Minister’s initial claims.”

Energy Crisis in Ghana Worsens Confidence in Leadership

The IERPP added that at a time when Ghana’s energy sector is struggling with persistent power outages (dumsor) and poor electricity supply affecting both households and businesses, such misleading claims only worsen the situation.

They believe these inaccurate statements take attention away from finding real solutions to the electricity challenges in Ghana, damage public trust, and discourage potential investors in the energy sector.

The Institute also warned that the issue speaks to a broader failure of leadership and called for immediate accountability from the government.

“They distract from problem-solving, undermine public confidence, and erode investor trust,” the statement said.

Call for Energy Minister John Jinapor’s Immediate Dismissal

The IERPP urged President Mahama to take decisive action. According to them, Minister Jinapor must take full responsibility for the public confusion and lack of clarity on the ECG container situation.

They stated,

“In the interest of accountability and the pursuit of better governance, the Institute urges President John Dramani Mahama to immediately dismiss the Energy Minister and appoint a more competent and focused individual who can restore confidence, drive reforms, and deliver results.”

At the time of reporting, neither John Abdulai Jinapor nor the Office of the President had responded to the calls for his dismissal.