The T.D.C Magistrate Court in the Tema metropolis of the Greater Accra Region has sentenced a 33-year-old unemployed squatter to 15 months' imprisonment for stealing water meters in the Tema Region.

Richard Afful was first apprehended by the Tema Community 11 Police in Tema Community 12 on December 24, 2023, for the offence.

He faced two counts of stealing water meters, stopcock, and non-return valves, and an additional count for causing damage in the process.

On January 4, 2024, the accused was brought before the T.D.C. Magistrate Court presided over by H/W Mrs. Benedicta Antwi.

The accused pleaded guilty to all counts and was subsequently convicted. The sentencing includes 12 months' imprisonment on count one, three months' imprisonment on count two, and a fine of GH¢10,000.

In default of payment, an additional four months' imprisonment is imposed, with all sentences to run concurrently.

Speaking to JoyNews on the development, the Communications Manager for the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Tema region, Sampson Ampah, emphasised the rising menace of meter theft in the region.

He disclosed that in the last quarter of 2023 alone, a total of 280 water meters were stolen.

Mr Ampah provided a breakdown of meter theft in the region during the last quarter, highlighting the districts affected and the respective number of stolen meters.

“In the last quarter alone, this is the breakdown of meters stolen in the region. Gbetseli District 30, Batsonaa District 30, Sakumono District 47, Kpong-Akuse District 25, Ada District 10, Prampram District 35, Tema Industrial District 16, Ashaiman West District 80, Santor District 2 and Tema Central District 5 and other areas. All put together, you’re talking about 280 meters within the period and these meters are very expensive.”

Addressing the aftermath of meter theft, Mr Ampah explained the challenges faced by the company and said, "The painful aspect is that when customers report the missing meters to the police and are given police extracts, we have to replace these meters free of charge.

“You can equally imagine the volume of water that will be gushing out when these meters are stolen, which also comes as a cost to the company."

When asked about measures being taken to address the issue, Mr Ampah outlined ongoing efforts, including “arrangements with customers to protect replaced meters by using metal cages and concreting the sides.

"Additionally, collaboration with security agencies is underway to investigate and trace the source of scrap dealers involved in selling stolen meters.”

In conclusion, Mr. Ampah stated, "When we get to the source where these items are sold, it will also help us engage with them to understand the reality of the situation."