Energy Commission engages stakeholders in Kumasi on new Wiring Regulation, 2023 (L.I 2478)

The Energy Commission has announced plans to fully implement and enforce the Electrical Wiring Cables and Electrical Wiring Accessories Regulation, 2023 (L.I 2478), starting in June 2025.

The rollout will begin with the establishment of an implementation committee by December 31, 2024, followed by a pilot phase set for March 2025. This new regulation was passed by Parliament to ensure that only electrical wiring cables and accessories meeting Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) requirements are available on the market, aiming to reduce fire and electrocution risks posed by substandard products.

The regulation, disclosed at a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Energy Commission in Kumasi on October 31, 2024, at the Golden Hotel, aims to curb the influx of unsafe electrical products into the country. Participants included officials from the Ghana National Fire Service, Customs, Police Service, Ghana Institute of Engineering, certified wiring practitioners, and electrical product manufacturers and importers.

Key Provisions of the New Regulation
The new regulation applies to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, and installers of electrical wiring cables and accessories. Importers and manufacturers must register with the Energy Commission and obtain a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) to certify that their products meet GSA standards. They are responsible for providing this certificate to buyers, who must retain copies for verification by the Energy Commission.

Public Guidance
Officials urged the public to purchase only GSA-approved electrical cables and accessories and to verify product authenticity. Facility owners must ensure the use of standard-compliant products, as facilities found using substandard materials risk disconnection from the national grid to safeguard public safety.

Penalties for Non-Compliance
After the event, Stephen Yomoh, Assistant Manager at the Energy Commission, highlighted the penalties for non-compliance, which range from 125 to 500 penalty units, with potential imprisonment from six to 24 months. Additionally, any confiscated substandard materials will be destroyed or re-exported at the expense of violators.

This regulation underscores the Energy Commission's commitment to enhancing safety standards and ensuring only quality electrical products are available in Ghana.