The Electricity Company of Ghana says it loses GH¢28 million on an average every year in the Ashanti Region due to electricity theft.
Regional Director of the company’s Strategic Business Unit, Joseph Amakyi, pegged the commercial loses of electricity in the region at 14 per cent, describing that as alarming considering that the international standard is not more than two per cent.
Despite the success of the pre-payment metering system, he said the country still loses revenues amounting to millions of Ghana cedis as a result of electricity theft.
Mr Amakyi, said the issue of electricity theft in the region is alarming. The current situation, he observed, is also taking a toll on ECG’s revenue mobilization, saying “Electricity theft is very serious in the Ashanti Region because of the huge amount of revenue we lose as a result of it. “Commercial loss in Ashanti region is within the range of 14% whilst international standard is about 2%.
The high number of post-paid meters make it easy for users to engage in illegal connection,” Mr Amakye said. He highlighted steps being taken by the ECG to minimize electricity theft. “As part of measures to address commercial losses, we are embarking on installation of prepaid smart meters in every home and institution.
Also we are in the process of setting up of Utility Court in the region for swift prosecution,” he said. Meanwhile, staff of ECG have held a safety week campaign to promote best safety practices as part of the company’s goal to achieve zero tolerance for accident at the workplace.ecg-ashantiAs part of the celebration, representatives from the five divisions comprising of Ashanti East, Ashanti West, Ashanti South, Ashanti North as well as Headquarters engaged in a quiz competition on safety.
The regional Headquarters emerged winners of the 4-round competition. Staff of ECG were urged to be safety conscious at the workplace whilst engaging in regular exercises for good health.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
