The Energy Commission has cautioned the public against engaging uncertified electrical practitioners for wiring works, stressing that the law permits only certified professionals to operate in that space.
The Manager of Electricity Regulations at the Commission, Mr Adolf Nii Larte Ashong, who gave the warning in Takoradi, said Ghana’s Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 2008), mandate the use of certified electricians for all wiring installations.
Mr Ashong was speaking on Friday at the 24th Electrical Wiring Certification and Awards ceremony, where 151 electricians were certified in the Western Region. The event was held on the theme: ‘Training today’s youth, certifying tomorrow’s electrical experts.’
He explained that the regulation was not merely a procedural requirement but a critical public safety measure that demanded proper training and certification.
According to him, certification remained the foundation of safe electrical installations and ensured that only qualified practitioners handled electrical systems.
“We are training today’s youth through apprenticeship, registration and structured learning, while securing their future. At the same time, we are certifying tomorrow’s experts through rigorous assessment to ensure that only competent hands work on our electrical systems,” he indicated.
Mr Ashong noted that the commission’s mandate was to promote professionalism, uphold standards and ensure ethical conduct within the electrical wiring sector.
He disclosed that out of 1,386 candidates who sat for the November–December examinations, 1,179 passed, representing about 85 per cent.
“We insist on rigorous training before certification because the cost of ignorance is measured in loss of lives, fire outbreaks and destruction of property. In many cases, investigations point to untrained hands as the root cause,” he stated.
Mr Ashong described the ceremony as significant, citing that the graduating electricians had undergone disciplined instruction, practical training and thorough assessment.
He said for 2026, the commission had begun registering apprentices under a new system aimed at formalising the sector and producing certified master electricians.
So far, about 600 apprentices have been enrolled on the Integrated Certification and Apprenticeship Platform (iCAP), which enables certified professionals to onboard and monitor trainees.
The platform, he explained, would be rolled out nationwide and would allow practitioners to use mobile devices to provide proof of work, thereby reducing forgery.
Additionally, he said the commission would synchronise its system with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to improve coordination among customers, practitioners and inspectors, enhance accountability and reduce delays.
“The seamless application and certification system has been piloted in 10 ECG districts and will be rolled out nationwide by June,” he added.
Mr Ashong emphasised that certified master electricians were required to register all apprentices to ensure standards were maintained across the industry.
He reiterated that the ultimate goal was to ensure that all electricians were properly certified to guarantee safety in homes and workplaces.
The former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Takoradi Technical University, Dr Emmanuel Payne, who chaired the event, urged electricians to uphold professionalism and prioritise safety.
He advised them to work with integrity and never compromise standards for profit, stressing that safety must remain paramount in their work.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI
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