Energy Commission Investigation Exposes Widespread Solar Import Violations in Ghana
Ghana’s push towards a sustainable energy future is being undermined from within, as a sweeping investigation by the country’s Energy Commission has uncovered a massive, unregulated influx of solar energy products. The probe has revealed that nearly 98,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) units, along with other electrical equipment, were imported into the country between December 2024 and August 2025, with a significant number bypassing mandatory licensing and statutory payments.
This crackdown, initiated at major entry points like Tema Port, shines a light on systemic loopholes that threaten consumer safety, environmental standards, and the integrity of the nation’s renewable energy market.
A New Board, A New Mandate to Combat Ghana solar import violations
The investigation was one of the first major actions ordered by the newly appointed Energy Commission Board in August 2025. Under the leadership of its new chairman, chartered economist Prof. John Gatsi, the board acted on intelligence suggesting that regulatory breaches were rampant, particularly during periods of government transition which can create enforcement gaps.
The findings from the probe have been alarming, painting a picture of deliberate evasion and systemic weaknesses.
Uncovering the Methods of Ghana solar import violations
The investigation exposed several tactics used by importers to circumvent regulations and avoid duties. Key findings include:
- Misclassification of Goods: Importers were found to be classifying large, commercial-scale shipments of solar panels and electrical appliances as “personal effects” to evade the rigorous scrutiny and fees applied to commercial imports.
- Compromised Detention Processes: In a glaring oversight failure, goods that were detained by authorities were discovered to have been transferred to warehouses owned by the very violators they were seized from.
- Procedural Lapses: The probe identified significant procedural flaws, such as instances where clearing agents, rather than the importers themselves, were signing official detention documents, complicating accountability.
Enforcement in Action Against Ghana solar import violations at Tema Port
In response to these findings, the Energy Commission has intensified its enforcement activities. Over the past three months, teams at Tema Port, Ghana’s busiest port, have seized approximately 300 refrigerators and a variety of other electrical items that failed to meet national standards.
The commission is taking a hard line on non-compliant products due to the significant health and environmental risks they pose. Prohibited goods are being destroyed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Officials have expressed particular concern over the importation of non-compliant electric vehicle batteries, which are deemed especially hazardous.
Charting a Path to a Regulated Market Free of Ghana solar import violations
The Energy Commission is not just focused on seizures; it is actively working to close the loopholes that allow these violations to occur. The board is set to review the full findings of the investigation to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at protecting consumers and legitimizing the import market.
A key initiative is a planned partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to secure dedicated bonded warehouses for seized goods. Under this new system, the costs associated with warehousing will be charged directly to the violators, creating a strong financial deterrent against future infractions.
This decisive action by the Energy Commission, as detailed by News Ghana, sends a clear message: while Ghana welcomes the growth of renewable energy, it will not tolerate illegal activities that endanger its citizens and compromise its environmental goals. The path to a sustainable future must be built on a foundation of transparency, regulation, and accountability.
