There is growing confusion in Ghana’s energy sector after it was revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) missing containers—which had caused panic, investigations, and even resignations—were never lost at all.

The minority in Parliament is now demanding a full explanation from Energy Minister John Jinapor, following reports that more containers than initially reported as missing have been found sitting at the Tema Port all along.

This dramatic U-turn is raising serious questions about how such a high-profile national issue was handled and whether Ghanaians were misled for political reasons or due to poor record-keeping.

Background: The “Missing Containers” Scandal

Earlier this year, ECG raised alarm about over 2,400 containers of electrical materials that it said were missing or unaccounted for. These containers were supposed to contain items like transformers, meters, and cables meant to support Ghana’s national electricity distribution.

In response, the Energy Minister at the time, John Jinapor, launched an investigation and even worked with national security to trace what was believed to be a massive case of theft or mismanagement.

The situation became so serious that ECG’s board chairman resigned, reportedly over the company’s inability to explain the whereabouts of the containers.

Some businesses were also accused of illegally acquiring ECG property, and a number of raids were conducted.

But now, everything seems to have taken a surprising turn.

Daily Graphic Report: The Containers Were Never Missing

According to a front-page report in the Daily Graphic on Tuesday, May 27, the Ministry has located 2,637 containers at the Tema Port, all belonging to ECG.

This is far more than the 1,300 containers that the Minister’s investigative committee earlier said were “missing.”

The Daily Graphic quoted an official—referred to as Rockson—who revealed that as of April 30, 2025, ECG had 2,583 containers still outstanding at different locations. The official also clarified that the containers had not been stolen or diverted, as previously suggested.

Instead, it now appears the problem was largely due to administrative lapses, poor inventory tracking, and confusion in ECG’s auditing process.

In simple terms, the containers were right where they were supposed to be, but ECG’s own system failed to properly record or track them.

Minority Raises Red Flag: “Ghanaians Deserve the Truth”

But the Minority in Parliament is not satisfied with the new explanation.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Collins Adomako Mensah, who is the Deputy Ranking Member of the Energy Committee, described the situation as “very strange and unacceptable.”

“We are being told that the containers have suddenly been found at the same Tema Port, as reported by The Daily Graphic,” he said.

“Initially, ECG reported 2,491 unclaimed containers to the minister. The committee later claimed 1,134 were missing. Raids were carried out. Reputations were damaged. And now, we are told 2,637 containers have been found at Tema Port?”

Mr. Mensah said such an incident makes Ghana look unserious, and it should not be swept under the carpet.

“Were They Really Missing?” – Questions Keep Mounting

The Minority MP was particularly concerned about the conflicting figures and changing narratives.

He reminded journalists and the public that:

ECG initially informed the Minister that 2,491 containers were unaccounted for.

The Minister then set up a committee, which concluded that 1,134 containers were missing.

The Ministry and national security officials even accused private companies of stealing ECG assets.

Now, the story is that 2,637 containers were sitting at the port all along.

“This is why we are asking the Minister to come to Parliament and explain what really happened. We need a proper and honest account,” he stated.

ECG Board Chairman Resigned — But for What?

The MP also reminded the media that the ECG Board Chairman was forced to resign, partly due to the confusion and inability to explain what happened to the containers.

He questioned why someone would be pushed out of office based on information that is now proving to be incorrect or incomplete.

“If the containers were never missing, why was the board chairman made to resign? Were they used as scapegoats for someone else’s incompetence?”

“This is not just about numbers. This is about leadership, governance, and truthfulness.”

“Don’t Call it Retrieval” – Minority Rejects Government Spin

Mr. Mensah was also very clear that the containers were not retrieved, as some media houses have reported.

“They were not retrieved; they were found. And they were found because they were never missing in the first place. Let us stop twisting the language.”

He said the use of the word “retrieved” gives the impression that a search operation was successful in recovering stolen goods. But in reality, the items were always at the port, and there was no theft.

“So, who lied to the people of Ghana? Was it ECG? Is it the Ministry? Was it the committee? Or were all of them just confused?” he asked.

Time for Transparency and Accountability

The Minority says this situation once again highlights the urgent need for transparency and better auditing in state institutions.

They are demanding:

A full audit of ECG’s logistics and procurement systems

An independent investigation into how the container confusion happened

A ministerial briefing in Parliament by John Jinapor

Clear accountability for all those who misled the public or failed in their roles

“This is not a matter to joke with. We are dealing with over 2,000 containers of public property. That’s a lot of money and a lot of trust lost,” Mensah stated.

What Next?

As the story unfolds, many Ghanaians are left wondering:

How did ECG’s own system fail to track so many containers?

Why did the Ministry rely on incomplete data before conducting raids?

Will anyone be punished for causing confusion and panic?

And most importantly, will this be the last time such an embarrassment happens?

For now, the Minority is preparing to file a motion to summon Energy Minister John Jinapor to appear before the House for full questioning.

Until then, the mystery of the “missing but never missing” containers remains one of the most puzzling episodes in Ghana’s recent governance history.