The Energy Commission has warned Ghanaians against hiring unqualified electricians as the country expands its use of solar energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. Improper electrical installations, the Commission said, could endanger lives and damage property.
The warning came during a ceremony in Takoradi where about 180 newly certified electrical professionals were inducted. The event marked the 25th Electrical Wiring Certification and Awards Ceremony, where domestic, commercial, industrial electricians, and inspectors received their certifications.
Nana Kwame Yeboah, Assistant Manager for Inspections and Enforcement at the Energy Commission, said the graduates are ready to handle work in both traditional electrical fields and emerging sectors like solar and EV infrastructure. “We have about 180 graduates passing out today. We have domestic professionals, commercial professionals, industrial professionals and also inspectors,” he said.
Yeboah pointed out that these certified electricians will be qualified to install EV charging stations, rooftop solar panels, and even large solar plants. “We have promoted graduates who can lead and assist in the installation of all these systems—be it EV charging stations, solar installations on rooftops, or even solar plant installations.”
At the same event, Ing. Dr. Emmanuel Kobina Appiah, a Senior Lecturer at Takoradi Technical University, stressed the importance of proper electrical design to avoid faults and fires as Ghana adopts more electric vehicles. He highlighted that incorrect cable sizing and system design can cause serious hazards.
Dr. Appiah also explained how EVs could work with solar and battery storage systems to supply electricity to homes, but only if the installations are done correctly. “We can also use our EV cars to power our individual homes, only when you do the installation right. You need not compromise with your installation,” he said.
He urged electricians to consider the capacity of the vehicle, battery storage systems, and overall electrical load when designing EV chargers and vehicle-to-home setups. He called for strict adherence to established electrical standards to keep the country’s growing EV infrastructure safe.
One of the new certified electricians, Ruth Essel, said the training programme could encourage more women to enter the electrical field, which many see as a male domain. “A lot of people think that this field is for guys, so it will motivate the ladies in my surroundings and then the country as well,” she said.
Essel also highlighted the role of standards in preventing accidents and ensuring uniformity across electrical installations. “For the sake of uniformity and at the same time for us to help curb incidents and accidents, we need to follow standards and do the right thing at all times so that we’ll all work safely and go home safely.”
The Energy Commission said it will continue collaborating with stakeholders to train and certify electricians who can meet the safety and technical demands of Ghana’s growing solar energy and electric mobility sectors.
As Ghana adopts more solar technology and electric vehicles, the Commission’s message is clear: only certified, trained professionals should handle electrical installations. This approach aims to protect people and property as the country shifts toward cleaner energy and new transport options.
According to 3News.
