The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has announced a reduction in the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) budget allocation from GH₵500 million to GH₵250 million amid controversy over missing containers at the Tema Port.

According to Mr. Jinapor, the decision is intended to help offset debts owed to power producers.

Addressing Parliament, he revealed that ECG had received GH₵935 million in 2023 for planned procurement.

“We have reduced their budget from GH₵500 million to GH₵250 million because we must pay the power producers. Today, the bill is over GH₵80 billion in the energy sector. If we don’t do something, this sector will collapse. As a minister, I am determined to do my bit no matter how difficult it is,” he stated.

However, he revealed that ECG had overspent its allocation by GH₵7.3 billion, largely due to excessive cable procurement, which led to revenue shortfalls.

These financial difficulties also played a role in the issue of missing containers at the Tema Port, as some remained uncleared due to outstanding fees.

Mr. Jinapor assured Parliament that strict measures were being put in place to curb financial mismanagement and safeguard the sustainability of ECG.