The influx of substandard energy-related products into the Ghanaian market poses serious risks to public safety, health and the environment.
Beyond the dangers these non-compliant products present to consumers and the general public, they also cause significant revenue losses for the country.
The Board Chairman of the Energy Commission, Prof. John G. Gatsi, expressed these concerns during a tour of the Commission’s offices at Terminal Three and the Tema Port, last Friday, February 6, 2026.
Other members of the board, who accompanied the Chairman on the tour, included Prof. Ernest Ofori Asamoah, Daniel Adzei Annang, Yorm Ama Abledu, and Eunice Biritwum, Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission. Also present was Chris Nanabanyin Yalley, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission.
Threat, surveillance
Prof. Gatsi explained that substandard electrical cables, solar products, electric vehicle batteries, used freezers, and television sets continue to enter the market despite existing regulations.
He stated that many of these products failed to meet approved safety standards, increasing the risk of electrical faults, fires and environmental pollution.
“Our mandate is to protect the public.
Allowing non-compliant energy products onto the market endangers lives and property,” Prof. Gatsi stressed.
He further warned that some materials used in manufacturing these products were toxic and hazardous, posing long-term health risks if improperly handled or disposed of.
The board chairman gave an assurance that the Commission would strengthen surveillance at the ports and within local markets to prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers, while collaborating with relevant state agencies to close regulatory loopholes.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that only approved, standard-compliant energy products are allowed in Ghana.
Regulatory lapses
Prof. Gatsi disclosed significant regulatory lapses and revenue losses stemming from delays in the board constitution during government transitions, which particularly affected the importation of regulated energy products.
He explained that the absence of a board between December 2024 and August 2025 created loopholes exploited by some importers.
As a result, the Commission investigated the importation of regulated items, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electrical appliances.
The findings revealed that solar PV products valued at about US$98,000 were imported without the required licences during the period.
He said mandatory regulatory fees were often unpaid, and a critical oversight was also identified in the detention process, where seized items were stored in warehouses owned by the same importers, contrary to best regulatory practices.
He said the investigation also highlighted a blurred distinction between commercial imports and items declared as personal effects, where some importers brought in large quantities of regulated products under the guise of personal use, bypassing licensing and regulatory requirements.
The board chairman emphasised that, according to the findings, the state suffered significantly, affecting the Energy Commission, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Customs.
To address these challenges, Prof. Gatsi stated that the board was considering a collaboration with the GRA to use bonded warehouses or lease independent warehouses for detained items, with associated costs passed on to importers in line with the law.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh