Energy Commission pushes electrical safety with 944 newly certified practitioners

By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])

The Energy Commission has stepped up its efforts to enhance electrical safety nationwide with the graduation of 944 newly certified practitioners under the Electrical Wiring Programme.

The certification, which is mandated by the Electrical Wiring Regulations 2011 (L.I. 2008), seeks to ensure the safety of life and property through strict professional authentication of wiring practices.

Since implementation began in 2013, the Commission has certified 18,435 electricians nationwide, including 183 females.

Speaking at the Accra graduation ceremony, Mr. Stephen Ngebe Yomoh, Assistant Manager of the Electrical Wiring Secretariat (EWS) at the Energy Commission, explained that the increasing access to electricity—currently at 89.5 percent—brought with it rising risks of electrical accidents.

As such, reiterated that “The law makes it illegal for anybody to practice in the electrical wiring industry without certification from the Energy Commission. This is why today’s graduation, where 944 practitioners have successfully passed, is a critical step in ensuring electrical safety”.

He noted that in May 2025, a total of 1,163 candidates sat for the certification examinations, out of which 944 passed, representing a pass rate of 81.17 percent.

In Accra, 339 candidates graduated. Categories covered included domestic, commercial, industrial, and inspector levels.

Digital tools and safety innovations
Mr. Yomoh highlighted key achievements of the programme, including the deployment of the Certified Electrician GH mobile app, which allows facility owners to verify licensed practitioners, and the roll-out of a paperless Installation Completion mobile app (iCAP/ICCAPP) that streamlines certification processes.

The Commission has also reintroduced the mandatory use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to protect against electrocution, revised Ghana’s electrical wiring standards, and begun enforcing the Electrical Wiring Cables and Accessories Regulation, 2023 (L.I. 2478).

“These measures are already yielding results. Fire service reports indicate that while general fire incidents may be increasing, those caused by poor wiring are significantly reducing,” he stated.

However, challenges remain. Mr. Yomoh cautioned against the activities of uncertified practitioners who undercut prices with substandard work.

“It may seem cheaper, but in the long run, poor wiring leads to fires, shocks and even fatalities,” he said, adding that beneficiaries of rural electrification projects are particularly vulnerable.

He also stressed that certified practitioners are not staff of the Commission but independent professionals, likening their status to licensed drivers under the DVLA.

Mr. Yomoh urged the public to always demand the services of certified practitioners, who are issued official ID cards by the Commission. “Strong regulation and professionalism are saving lives. We encourage all facility owners to engage only certified electricians for wiring services,” he said.

Stronger regulation, gender inclusion

Chairman of the Board of the Energy Commission, Professor John Gatsi, commended the graduates but urged for greater gender inclusion in the sector.

“Over the past 12 years, only about 1.3 percent of participants have been female. Even today, women among the graduates are less, and this is woefully inadequate. We call on institutions and the public to support more women to enter this field,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to step up regulatory oversight of electrical materials imported into the country.

“You can train people, but if they don’t have access to the right materials, we are all in trouble. We must ensure standards are maintained at every stage,” he added.

Awards

The event also recognised outstanding candidates. Mr. Larnyoh Mawuli Kumordji emerged as the overall best candidate and best inspector, while Ms. Dzandu Vivian was awarded best female candidate and best commercial practitioner. Other awardees included Mr. Awudi Isaac (best industrial candidate) and Mr. Amekor Ishmeal (best domestic candidate).

The Commission announced plans to review the Electrical Wiring Regulations, revise the certification syllabus, and expand stakeholder engagement, especially in industries dealing with combustible materials. Quarterly inspections by certified wiring inspectors will also continue to ensure compliance with safety standards.