The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is calling on the public to assist in tackling power theft, a significant issue draining the company’s resources.
Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the Volta Regional Manager of ECG, urged the public to be vigilant and report any illegal connections to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking to Accra-based Joy News after a stakeholder engagement with Volta Regional Minister Dr. Archibald Letsa in Ho, Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo emphasized the importance of community involvement in curbing power theft. Dr. Letsa had raised concerns about the rising incidents of illegal power connections, noting that addressing this issue is crucial for the power distribution company to meet its revenue targets.
“But there is power theft, people are specialized in illegal connections. Some of them have allies in your organizations. I went to a place the other day and I nearly caused their arrest. They bypassed the meter; I couldn’t recognize it, so I caused them to pay something extra to ECG in Tema,” Dr. Letsa remarked.
He praised the stable power supply in the region and encouraged ECG to collaborate with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council for better operations and service delivery.
In response, Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo revealed that ECG had upgraded its revenue protection unit to include investigation, prosecution, and security measures aimed at eliminating power theft. She expressed confidence that with public support, the company could effectively tackle this issue.
“It is not patriotic to steal power or to encourage others to do so. It doesn’t help ECG, it doesn’t help the nation at large. We are appealing to everyone: if you see something, say something. You can report anonymously through the ECG PowerApp or our social media handles,” she said.
Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo also warned about the severe consequences of illegal connections, which could result in loss of life and property, urging people to desist from such activities.
She highlighted ECG’s efforts to engage with stakeholders, including the Volta and Oti Regional Ministers and Municipal and District Chief Executives, to enhance service delivery and address their concerns.
“We also appeal to the MMDCEs and their teams to come to us whenever they need services from ECG. Our management teams in the various districts and region are always ready to help, especially when it comes to extending electricity services to their constituents,” she concluded.
