National Security operatives have arrested an Indian national after intelligence reports linked him to 40 of the over 1,300 missing containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was found storing the containers at a warehouse in Kpone. He reportedly claimed that the containers were sold to him in 2024.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, confirmed the arrest during an interview on one local station Tv3.
He stated that the retrieved containers had been moved to a secured location and that investigations were ongoing to recover the remaining missing containers and prosecute those responsible.
Background of the Case
An investigative report on ECG recently uncovered that more than 1,300 containers meant to be cleared at the Tema Port had gone missing.
According to Prof. Innocent Senyo Acquah, chairman of the investigative committee, ECG initially reported 2,491 uncleared containers filled with cables and other essential equipment.
However, an independent audit at the port found only 1,134 containers, leaving 1,347 unaccounted for.
Jinapor revealed that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing leads to locate the remaining containers.
He assured the public that all necessary steps would be taken to recover state assets and hold perpetrators accountable.
According to Jinapor, intelligence gathered by National Security led to the discovery of the 40 containers at a terminal warehouse in Kpone.
“The briefing I got this morning, and let me commend the National Security operatives and law enforcement agencies, is that they have already traced about 40 of the missing containers to a warehouse belonging to an Indian man,” the Minister stated.
He further noted that while the suspect claimed to have purchased the containers legally, the matter remained under investigation. Authorities have since confiscated the containers and are following additional leads to trace the remaining missing goods.
“There are reports of other locations where intelligence is being picked up. The agencies will trace and retrieve all the missing containers and ensure that those responsible are brought before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he added.
Jinapor cautioned that legal action would be taken against those found culpable, stressing that retrieving state assets was a priority.
“Let me just say that when we start prosecuting these people, let no one claim this is witch-hunting. These are properties of the state, and we will use every legitimate means to retrieve them,” he warned.
The findings of the investigation were presented to the Minister on March 26.
He described the situation as alarming and emphasized that a full-scale investigation, involving the Attorney General and the police, would be conducted to track down the missing containers or recover their monetary value.
