By Dominic Hlordzi
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA), led by its President Awal Sakib Mohammed has engaged the Minister for Energy and Green Transition and officials of the Ministry on some challenges facing the electrical wiring and installation industry and how they can work together to find lasting solutions to them.
According to GECA Electrical contracts are lumped and awarded with building contractors.
“Currently, some contractors who do the Ministry of Energy’s electrification contracts lack capacity and know how,” GECA President explained.
The Association sought collaboration tor screen contractors, validate contractors and build their capacity in an arrangement with the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG Training School.
This, Mr Mohammed believes, would help churn out contractors who are capable and competent to help improve system reliability.
GECA proposed that the government consider a policy requiring only certified electrical contractors to handle construction projects, a crucial step to enhance safety, reliability and compliance with professional standards.
In his remarks, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, said he has tasked his team at the Ministry to develop a roadmap that will address the concerns raised.
When well implemented, such a policy can save lives and protect property from electrical fires and hazards caused by poor wiring and substandard materials.
Mr. Jinapor stated that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission PURC, the Energy Commission and GECA to strengthen regulation and improve standards in the sector.
GECA presented a citation to the Minister on his appointment and in recognition of his efforts at addressing issues in the Energy Sector.
“We believe your leadership will bring reliability, sustainability and inclusive growth for the energy sector and Ghanaians as a whole,” parts of the citation read.
Mr. Jinapor thanked the leadership of GECA for the recognition saying, “together they can build a safer and more efficient electrical industry for all.”
