MP for the Asene Manso Akroso Constituency, George Kwame Aboagye
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asene Manso Akroso Constituency in the Eastern Region, George Kwame Aboagye, has advised the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to institute an ad hoc committee to investigate the missing ECG containers.
As captured in the parliamentary Hansard during the parliamentary proceedings on March 28, 2025, the lawmaker, speaking on the floor of Parliament, emphasised that it would be appropriate and also serve a precedent if the Speaker of Parliament establish the committee to investigate the missing containers.
“We are urging Mr Speaker to institute an ad hoc committee to investigate the missing containers and make recommendations to ensure it does not happen again,” said Kwame Aboagye during a submission on the floor of Parliament following the discovery.
When given the floor to make his statement, the MP stated: “Mr Speaker, Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA) is charged with managing, maintaining, operating, and controlling all ports in Ghana, including providing efficient port facilities and services, handling large portions of external trade and serving as a regional transit hub.
“Mr Speaker the process of clearing goods from Ghana’s ports is a multi-step procedure that involves proper documentation, payment of duties and fees, customs inspections, and finally, the physical release of the goods.
“While the process is designed to ensure that all goods entering the country comply with the necessary regulations, it can be complex and time-consuming,” he stated.
The key agencies responsible for clearing of goods from the ports include the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) which is responsible for customs clearance, assessment of duties and taxes, and ensuring compliance with Ghana’s import laws, the Ports Authority which also oversees the operations at the ports, including managing the handling of goods, port charges, and facilitating the physical release of goods, shipping lines/freight.
The forwarders, including shipping companies and freight forwarders, are responsible for transporting goods and issuing delivery orders with national security and customs officers ensuring the security of the ports and inspect shipments for compliance with regulations.
Citing the Prof Innocent Senyo Acquah’s revelation that one thousand, three hundred and twenty-eight (1,328) containers out of two thousand, four hundred and ninety-one (2,491) uncleared containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana at the Ghana ports and harbor cannot be accounted for, the legislator described the situation as a major regulatory and security concern, adding that it was an indication that all the security departments and government agencies charged with efficient running and accountability at the port are not working effectively.
He posited that the issue of missing ECG containers at the ports requires a combination of immediate corrective actions and long-term strategies to ensure accountability, security, and effective management.
George Kwame Aboagye advocated for strict penalties for theft, tampering or mishandling of containers in any way, convinced that this would serve as a deterrent and encourage responsible behavior.
He called for thorough investigations into the disappearance of the ECG containers which he suggested should involve port authorities, ECG officials, and law enforcement agencies to track down the missing containers and determine whether they were stolen, tampered with, or misplaced.
“If the investigation uncovers negligence, fraud, or criminal activity, responsible parties whether individuals within ECG, port officials, or businesses—should be held accountable,” he added.
The lawmaker further called for close collaboration with law enforcement to address the criminal aspect of the missing containers.
The issue of missing ECG containers at the ports is a serious one that requires both immediate actions and long-term structural changes to prevent future occurrences.
A combination of better security, stronger internal controls, collaboration with law enforcement, and greater transparency can go a long way in addressing the root causes of the problem. By adopting a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders.
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