The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has criticized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over its alleged decision to bypass local cable manufacturers in favour of importing over 1,000 containers of electrical cables, many of which AGI claims cannot be accounted for.
In a statement issued by the Association, it expressed deep concern over what it describes as a blatant violation of Ghana’s local content laws.
The Association is demanding the immediate settlement of outstanding payments owed to local cable producers, while also calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the imports.
AGI Chief Executive Officer Seth Twum-Akwaboah accused ECG of abandoning its responsibility to support the domestic manufacturing sector, even though Ghana has the full capacity to produce the required electrical conductors locally.
He highlighted that the country’s aluminium industry, anchored by the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) is capable of supplying raw materials for local production, making the large-scale imports unjustifiable.
He said; “this move undermines the government’s industrialisation agenda and the hard-fought gains made in local manufacturing, adding that, Ghana’s cable producers have the capacity, quality, and certifications to meet ECG’s demands.”
Mr. Akwaboah further warned that if such practices persist, Ghana’s long-term ambition to build a robust and self-sustaining industrial economy could be derailed.
“No country can industrialise by sidelining its own manufacturers, this is not just about cables, it’s about the survival of local industry,” he added.
Nonetheless, AGI called on the Ministry of Energy to immediately investigate ECG’s procurement practices. It urged the government to stop any contracts that violate procurement regulations or local content laws, and to conduct a thorough financial audit into the alleged missing containers.
The Association also stressed that only genuinely local manufacturers, those who produce goods in Ghana and contribute to job creation and value addition should be eligible for state contracts.
It warned against a trend where importers masquerade as manufacturers to benefit from government deals, undermining true local production.
Importantly, this development comes at a time when several local industries are grappling with high input costs, limited access to credit, and inconsistent policy enforcement.
“If government agencies themselves don’t lead by example, private sector confidence will continue to decline,” the CEO said.
