The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has expressed deep concerns over the rising cases of meter tampering across the country, which is contributing to significant financial losses and undermining the company’s operations.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, February 3, Acting Managing Director, David Boadi Asamoah, revealed that in Dansoman alone, approximately 10% of the 70,000 installed meters had been tampered with, leading to under-recorded electricity consumption and increased technical losses.
He issued a stern warning to individuals involved in illegal power connections, stating that those caught would face legal action.
“We will conduct thorough investigations, and there are laws in this country. After our investigations, law enforcement agencies like the police will take over,” Asamoah stated.
“Once the police complete their work, the case will proceed to court, where the law will be applied because this is stealing—it is a criminal offense.”
ECG to Prosecute Offenders
The ECG boss emphasized that no one will be spared, whether a contractor, electrician, or customer.
“I must assure you that ECG will not spare anybody. If you are caught, you will not be spared. From what we have seen, we will run after them, and the beneficiaries will also face consequences,” he warned.
Impact on ECG and Ghana’s Economy
Asamoah lamented that the growing collusion between customers and contract workers to manipulate meters is severely affecting ECG’s financial stability and undermining national economic growth.
The government has announced plans to privatize ECG to improve efficiency and reduce losses. However, rampant illegal activities, including power theft, continue to pose challenges for the company.
The ECG Acting Managing Director called for a robust plan to curb system losses, urging all stakeholders to support the fight against illegal power connections to ensure a sustainable and efficient electricity supply.