By Dominic Hlordzi and Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) has directed its members and third-party electrical contractors to boycott training programmes organised by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), citing high fees, frequent mandatory training and concerns over the financial burden on contractors.
The directive, contained in a memo dated August 10, 2026, follows concerns raised by contractors over ECG’s training requirements, which are linked to the renewal of contractors’ licences.
GECA President, Awal Sakib Mohammed, told Energy News that the cost and frequency of the mandatory training had become unsustainable for contractors, many of whom, he said, were already facing significant financial challenges due to delays in payments by ECG for completed work.
According to GECA, individual contractors spend about GH¢3,000 on mandatory training during a two-year licence period, while corporate contractors spend a minimum of GH¢4,500.
The Association said corporate contractors are required to have both the owner and a lead employee undertake the training within the two-year period to qualify for licence renewal.
GECA argues that these costs are excessive, particularly as contractors are also required to pay separate fees for the renewal of their licences.
Mr Mohammed further alleged that more than 70 per cent of electrical contractors working for ECG are owed money for projects already completed.
GECA calls for review of training arrangements
The Association has petitioned ECG management for immediate stakeholder engagement to review the current training arrangements.
GECA wants the engagement to consider the cost structure, frequency and overall sustainability of the mandatory training programme.
The Association said its petition was submitted to ECG management on August 10 and has been duly received.
Until its concerns are addressed, GECA has directed its members and third-party contractors not to participate in any training organised by the ECG Training School or its trainers.
GECA said the boycott is intended to compel ECG to engage contractors and review the training requirements in a manner that reflects the financial realities and operational needs of the sector.
The Association, however, urged its members to remain calm and comply with the directive until further notice.
Training programme initially proposed by GECA
GECA stated that the continuous training programme was initially proposed by the Association as a way of improving the capacity, efficiency and safety of electrical contractors working on ECG’s distribution network.
The Association maintains that while it supports continuous professional development, the current cost and frequency of the mandatory training have placed an undue financial burden on contractors.
Below is the statement;
