![Drake helps a group of African kids go viral [Watch]](https://thepostghana.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/drake-2019-pxn-billboard-1548-1586360114-1024x677-360x180.jpg)
Personnel from the Afienya District of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) recently discovered a case of extensive illegal electricity connections in Gbetsile, a suburb of the Greater Accra Region. During the ECG’s national revenue mobilization drive, which began on May 29, 2023, and is set to end on June 2, 2023, the team detected that one customer had illicitly connected electricity to 33 other structures within the same vicinity.
According to Ing. Daniel Mensah-Asare, the District Manager for ECG’s Afienya District, the discovery was made during routine meter checks carried out as part of the exercise. The ECG team found that wires connected the customer’s meter to surrounding structures, indicating an illegal connection and meter bypass. As a result, the customer had been underpaying for the electricity consumed.
Upon seeing the ECG personnel, the owner of the main structure fled, although the meter was located outside their premise, allowing easy access for the team. Engaging with residents, it was revealed that many had been paying for the power they used to the owner of the meter on a monthly basis, with an average payment of 35 Ghana Cedis per month for several months.
The ECG personnel informed the other residents about the infractions discovered and proceeded to disconnect the power supply from the service pole. The company also confiscated the service cable. Additionally, the team uncovered instances of fake meters and the relocation of genuine ECG meters from their original locations to new structures in Gbetsile, all of which are violations.
Ing. Mensah-Asare reported that the revenue mobilization and meter integrity checks were progressing well, with no resistance encountered from customers thus far. He urged customers to ensure that their meters remain accessible to ECG workers whenever necessary. He also emphasized the consequences of illegal connections, noting that ECG has the authority to prosecute offenders, which could result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
