By: Dominic Hlordzi
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has launched a programme dubbed: Powersafe Ghana in Accra, to promote electrical safety education and awareness across the country.
The programme which will also involve organisation of Conferences and Expo seeks the involvement of all actors in the electrical industry and consumers of electrical products.
Launching it, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders, GUTA, Joseph Obeng said PowerSafe Ghana 2025” is a visionary initiative by the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association that seeks to confront one of the country’s most pressing national concerns: electrical safety.
He pointed out that “for too long, the nation has grappled with the devastating consequences of poor system protection, unsafe installations and the importation of substandard materials. These challenges do not only endanger lives and property but they threaten the very progress of our economy.”
He gave the assurance of traders’ commitment to ensure quality, safety, and accountability in the trade of electrical materials.
Mr Obeng who is also a former President of the Ghana Electrical Dealers Association, explained that the notion that traders only bring in fake electrical materials does not reflect the full truth, saying “there are many among us who fight daily to uphold standards, educate clients, and improve the integrity of our supply chains.”
He is of the view that PowerSafe Ghana 2025 sends a clear message that electrical safety is a shared responsibility.
Mr. Obeng said contractors, dealers, regulators, manufacturers, and consumers must unite to promote best practices, demand better standards, and build a safer Ghana.
The President of the Ghana Institute of Safety and Environment Professionals (GhISEP) who was the Special Guest Dr. Miriam Eduful also underscored the importance of such an initiative, stating that it is timely and emphasises the need for all to embrace the campaign, highlighting the fact that electrical safety is not a siloed obligation; it is a shared responsibility.
She congratulated the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association for spearheading the campaign, adding that the Association’s commitment to advancing safety in Ghana’s electrical sector is commendable.
“In Ghana, electricity powers our homes, fuels our industries, and drives our national development. But with this power comes risk. Each year, we are reminded sometimes tragically of the consequences of poor wiring, substandard installations, and inadequate safety oversight. Fires, electrocutions, and environmental degradation are not just statistics; they are preventable losses.” She narrates.
Electrical safety, she noted is not merely a technical issue but also public health, economic and environmental issues.
Speaking on the theme: “Bridging Safety and Sustainability: A Collaborative Approach to Electrical Risk Management in Ghana”, she pointed out that safety and sustainability are not competing priorities but are interdependent.
Dr. Eduful said unsafe electrical systems waste energy, pollute the environment, and endanger lives.
She suggested strengthening of regulatory enforcement, investing in capacity building, promoting public awareness, encouraging innovation and institutionalizing collaboration as a way to help ensure a comprehensive approach to handling electrical safety issues across the country.
Dr. Eduful encouraged GECA to let PowerSafe 2025 to be more than an event suggesting that it must be a movement that transforms how Ghanaians and the electrical industry players think about electrical safety, adding that “together, we can power Ghana safely, responsibly, and sustainably.”
The President of the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) Mr. Awal Sakib Mohammed said PowerSafe aimed at addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing development challenges in the power sector: the delivery of reliable, high-quality and safe electrical power.
“Our theme for this maiden edition, “Electrical Safety-A Shared Responsibility,” captures the essence of this mission. It reminds us that the issues we face; poor system protection, the use of unsafe materials, and substandard practices are not confined to any one group. From contractors to consumers, suppliers to regulators, each of us is part of the solution.” He explained.
Mr. Mohammed stated that GECA has observed with deep concern the growing number of electrical incidents that threaten lives, damage property, and undermine national progress. These he noted aren’t merely technical lapses, they are systemic risks that demand urgent and collective action.
According to him PowerSafe Ghana is our response: a strategic, collaborative platform that brings stakeholders together to drive reform, innovation, and accountability across the electrical sector.
The launch he emphasised marked the beginning of what they believe will become a legacy project.
“In the months ahead, we will facilitate thought-provoking dialogue, promote cutting-edge innovations, and cultivate partnerships that place safety and reliability at the center of Ghana’s power ecosystem.”
The GECA president thanked partners, exhibitors, industry professionals, and safety champions who have embraced the initiative. He stated “Together, we will set new benchmarks and uphold our shared commitment-not only as professionals but as citizens dedicated to a safer, stronger Ghana.
All speakers at the launch commended GECA for the initiative and pledged their support to the electricity safety campaign.
The maiden edition of the PowerSafe Conference and expo will take place in September this year in Accra.
