A man lost his life in an unfortunate incident while attempting to disconnect the power supply at an Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) substation. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Wirenkyiren-Amamfrom near Kyebi, located in the Abuakwa-South Municipality of the Eastern Region. The area has witnessed a surge in theft cases targeting electrical facilities.
The suspected cable thief, estimated to be in his 30s, was electrocuted while tampering with the installation. Witnesses noted that the shock resulted in severe burns, turning the individual’s body black. The Assemblyman for the Wirenkyiren-Amamfrom Electoral Area, Prince Owusu, explained that he was informed about the discovery of the deceased’s lifeless body during the early hours of Tuesday.
Prior to the incident, a group of approximately six suspected thieves, believed to be accomplices of the deceased, were seen with a vehicle parked near the substation. A member of the area watchdog committee alerted the authorities about the suspicious vehicle around 1:00 am. However, the vehicle quickly fled the scene as they approached. Upon closer inspection, the lifeless body was discovered beneath the transformer, indicating that the individual had suffered from an electric shock. The Assemblyman and others promptly notified the police.
The Kyebi police were informed of the incident but were unable to respond immediately. They arrived the following morning to transport the body to the mortuary at the Kyebi government hospital for preservation and further examination.
While the exact intentions of the suspected thieves remain unknown, there are speculations that they either sought to disconnect the power for clandestine theft activities in the darkness or aimed to steal power cables. The community has experienced similar incidents in the past, with thieves frequently engaging in such acts. However, luck was not on their side this time, as the consequences turned fatal.
The identity of the deceased individual is still unknown as the police launch investigations into the incident. The Assemblyman called upon residents to remain vigilant regarding their security and urged the authorities to implement enhanced security measures in the area, such as the installation of barriers.
