The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has sounded the alarm over the rising incidence of meter tampering, a practice that is significantly impacting its revenue and operational efficiency.
At a press conference on Monday, February 3, Acting Managing Director of ECG, David Boadi Asamoah, revealed that Dansoman alone accounts for nearly 10% of tampered meters out of 70,000 installed in the area.
This illegal activity, he noted, results in meters under-recording electricity consumption, leading to substantial financial losses for the company.
ECG’s Tough Stance on Meter Tampering
The ECG has vowed to take decisive action against perpetrators, emphasizing that meter tampering constitutes electricity theft—a serious criminal offense under Ghanaian law.
“We will conduct thorough investigations, and anyone found guilty will face the full rigors of the law. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, will take over these cases and ensure that justice is served,” Asamoah stated firmly.
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He further warned that all individuals involved, whether contractors, electricians, or customers, will be held accountable.
“No one will be spared. If you are caught tampering with an ECG meter, you will face prosecution,” he added.
Financial and Economic Impact
Meter tampering not only affects ECG’s revenue but also has wider economic consequences.
Asamoah lamented how the collusion between some customers and ECG contract workers to manipulate meters is severely undermining the company’s financial stability.
This, in turn, hinders ECG’s ability to invest in infrastructure improvements and provide reliable electricity to consumers.
The government has been exploring privatization as a means of improving ECG’s efficiency and reducing financial losses.
However, concerns over illegal activities such as meter tampering continue to pose challenges to the company’s stability and service delivery.
Call for Reforms and Enforcement
To combat system losses, ECG is pushing for stricter enforcement measures and increased public awareness on the legal and financial consequences of electricity theft.
“We need a comprehensive approach to curb these system losses. Public cooperation is key, and we urge citizens to report suspicious activities to protect our national resources,” Asamoah emphasized.
As ECG intensifies its crackdown, customers are urged to ensure compliance with electricity regulations to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to the sustainability of the power sector.
