GECA Orders National Boycott of ECG Training Programs Over Prohibitive Fees and Delayed Payments

On August 10, 2026, the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA) officially directed all its members and third-party electrical contractors to boycott training programs organized by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The directive, issued via a formal memo by the association's leadership, comes as a protest against what the contractors describe as prohibitive training fees and an excessively high frequency of mandatory sessions. GECA argues that these requirements have become an unsustainable financial burden for professionals in the sector, prompting a call for an immediate halt to participation until the utility provider addresses their grievances.

The financial details of the training programs reveal a significant cost for maintaining professional licenses. According to GECA President Awal Sakib Mohammed, individual contractors are required to pay approximately GH₵3,000 every two years to undergo the mandatory training necessary for license renewal. For corporate contractors, the costs are even steeper, starting at a minimum of GH₵4,500 to cover both the business owner and a lead technical employee. GECA contends that these costs are disproportionate to the services provided and fail to reflect the economic realities facing the electrical contracting industry in Ghana.

Beyond the direct cost of training, the boycott is fueled by a broader liquidity crisis within the sector. The association highlights that many contractors are facing severe financial strain because ECG has significantly delayed payments for completed projects. Internal estimates from the association suggest that more than 70% of electrical contractors working with the utility company currently have outstanding invoices. This lack of payment, coupled with the demand for upfront training fees, has created a situation where contractors are essentially being asked to fund mandatory certification with money they have yet to receive for their labor.

In response to these challenges, GECA has submitted a formal petition to the ECG management, seeking a comprehensive review of the current training structure and fee schedule. The association is calling for immediate stakeholder engagement to establish a more sustainable model that balances the need for professional development with the financial health of the contractors. Until such a review takes place and a favorable resolution is reached, GECA has urged its members to remain calm but steadfast in their compliance with the boycott. This standoff highlights a growing tension between the national utility provider and the private contractors essential for maintaining and expanding Ghana's power infrastructure.