Arrest of Suspect in Prepaid Meter Theft Case
In a recent development, the Abuakwa Divisional Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly stealing prepaid meters from customers. The incident highlights growing concerns over unauthorized activities that are affecting electricity distribution and revenue collection.
The suspect was first detained by local residents in Abuakwa Agogo Newsite on Monday, July 7, 2025. After being taken into custody, he was handed over to the police for further investigation. This swift action by the community underscores the importance of public vigilance in combating such crimes.
Mr. George Amoah, the Ashanti West Regional Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), provided details about the case. He revealed that the suspect, who resides in Sepaase within the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, had been moving from one location to another, targeting customers’ meters. His method involved replacing stolen meters with fake post-paid ones while installing the stolen meters elsewhere. This allowed some customers to use electricity without paying, which significantly impacted ECG’s revenue.
According to Mr. Amoah, this fraudulent activity not only affected the company’s income but also created challenges for the victims. Customers were forced to file police complaints and pay for meter replacements at ECG, adding to their inconvenience. “Lately, many customers have come to our offices reporting stolen meters,” he said. “This has been a stress for our valued customers, as they had to go through the process of getting a police report and then paying for the replacement before receiving their meters back.”
To address the rising cases of meter theft, ECG has intensified its public education efforts. These initiatives aim to raise awareness among customers about the consequences of such illegal acts. The company has reported positive results from these campaigns, indicating increased community participation in preventing theft.
Moreover, ECG is working closely with security services to tackle these illegal activities. The collaboration is aimed at reducing losses suffered by both the company and its customers. Mr. Amoah praised the residents for their proactive involvement in apprehending the suspect, noting that meter theft has become a significant issue in the region.
He urged citizens to continue supporting ECG in its efforts to prevent illegal activities such as unauthorized power connections, meter theft, and transformer vandalism. By working together, the community and the company can create a safer environment for all.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial for both the public and the authorities to remain vigilant. The arrest of the suspect serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by utility companies and the importance of collective action in addressing them.
