The Energy Commission has clarified that licensed electricians are not employed by its outfit, distinguishing them as independent professionals who have undergone specialized training and certification.
This comes amid reports about fraudulent activities in Ghana’s power distribution sector, particularly related to unauthorized ECG meter acquisition.
“These are professional artisans who have gone through training programs and have been certified by the Energy Commission”, said Fred Agyei-Brobbey, a senior official with the Commission, as he likened certified electricians to other professionals such as drivers and teachers and affirmed that they are not staff members of the Commission.
Mr. Brobbey further emphasized that the Energy Commission plays “no part in meter acquisition”, addressing misconceptions about the state agency’s involvement in this process.
These remarks were made during the 19th Electrical Wiring Certification Program in Kumasi, where 197 certified electricians were recognized for successfully completing their licensure examination.
The annual licensure examination, organized by the Energy Commission, aims to enhance the safety of life and property in electricity usage.
Over the past decade, the Energy Commission has certified more than 14,000 electricians since the training program’s inception in 2013. This certification program is designed to mitigate the risk of fires caused by improper wiring carried out by non-professionals.
Ing. Adolf Nii Ashong, the Manager of Electricity and Natural Gas Regulation at the Energy Commission who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with state security agencies to address the issue of uncertified electricians operating in the country.
“There are still a sizeable number of persons without requisite knowledge and skills who have not been certified yet are conducting electrical wiring to unsuspecting clients. These uncertified persons expose their clients to the hazards of electricity including electrocution, severe burns and fires. Going forward we will be engaging the Ghana Police Service to arrest these uncertified electricians”, he warned.
The training was in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Police Service.
The professionals went through domestic, commercial, industrial and inspector training.
Aishatu Sule, the only lady in the group, could not hide her joy after receiving her certificate.
“The journey wasn’t easy. This is going to help me in so many ways and I encourage other ladies to take this bold step”, the 23-year-old lady said.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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