Missing ECG containers could be a symptom of larger systemic issues, says Kwasi Kwarteng

A former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has called for a thorough review of the contract processes surrounding the missing power containers reportedly imported by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

More than 1,000 containers belonging to ECG have been reported missing, sparking an urgent investigation and a state security operation to identify those responsible.

Several Chinese nationals have already been arrested in connection with the scandal.

Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (5 April), Kwarteng told the host Wilberforce Asare that the national conversation should move beyond the disappearance of the equipment to examine the finer details of the entire procurement chain.

“For me, the discussions should also be more about the procedures — how the contract was awarded, to which company, and the total value of the contract,” he said.

He raised questions about ECG’s level of financial commitment, whether any mobilization had been made, and what the specific terms of delivery were. According to him, these are essential elements that must be interrogated if the country is to get to the bottom of the scandal.

“If the delivery terms were clearly spelt out in the contract, then why are the containers missing at the port? Is it the case that ECG appointed an agent to clear the goods, and if so, who was the agent, and which warehouse was used?” he asked.

“It appears this has become a business day for people who handle these things,” he observed.

He cautioned against allowing the issue to descend into partisan bickering, urging the state to act decisively.

“This cannot be the usual where we play politics with it and the real culprits get away. The State must crack the whip,” he said.

-AsaaseRadio