The Ashanti regional West unit of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has renewed its partnership with the Ghana Police Service to combat the growing theft and vandalism of electricity installations in the Ashanti Region.

General Manager of ECG Ashanti West, George Amoah, said the company has recently recorded several incidents in which individuals have destroyed transformers and stolen vital electrical equipment, often resulting in prolonged power outages in affected communities.

“Lately, some individuals have been destroying our transformers, stealing cables and conductors and even meters, which often leads to outages,” he said during a meeting with the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between ECG and the police to protect critical electricity infrastructure across the region.

According to Ing. Amoah, the company has recorded several disturbing incidents involving individuals who sometimes impersonate ECG staff to gain access to installations.

He recalled that unknown persons posing as company workers recently entered an ECG network and destroyed several electricity poles and transformers.

The incidents were reported in communities including Nwamase, Buoho, Daban and Drobonso, resulting in extended hours of power outages for residents.

Ing. Amoah also disclosed that similar cases have been recorded in areas such as Adoato, the Adum Central Business District and Ahodwo, where individuals allegedly visit transformer sites pretending to be ECG workers before stealing fuses and cables.

Beyond theft and vandalism, ECG is also concerned about the rising importation and installation of fake electricity meters from neighbouring countries, which the company says is causing significant financial losses.

“These meters are illegal, and we call on you to be on the lookout for stolen and fake meters at your checkpoints,” Ing. Amoah appealed to the police.

He added that the company is stepping up monitoring activities in 2026, particularly during nighttime operations, to tackle illegal connections and protect installations, and will require police support to ensure the exercise is successful.

Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Arthur Osei Akoto, acknowledged the security implications of disruptions to electricity supply and pledged the command’s support in protecting ECG infrastructure.

He warned that individuals found culpable of stealing or vandalising ECG equipment will be arrested and prosecuted.

“Electricity has security implications, and any disruption to ECG operations could jeopardise the safety and security of citizens,” DCOP Osei Akoto said.

He noted that although the police are often associated with tackling violent crimes, protecting critical infrastructure such as electricity installations is equally important to maintaining public safety.

The police command, he added, welcomes the renewed partnership with ECG and is committed to deepening collaboration to protect infrastructure and ensure a stable power supply across the Ashanti Region.