The newly elected Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Tema Metropolitan Area, Yohane A. Ashitey has paid a courtesy call on the Management of the Electricity Company of Ghana, Tema Region, as part of his familiarization agenda upon assumption of office.

The meeting which was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2021 discussed issues of mutual benefit between the two organizations as key stakeholders willing to work hand in hand to aid the economic growth of citizens in the Tema Metropolis.

As part of his speech, the MCE pledged to ensure that his outfit will extensively work with the electricity distributor on projects which may have an effect on the network of ECG.

He also spoke about how they will collaborate and ensure that permits for businesses are given to those whose structures are legally cited.

He noted, that as an Engineer himself, he is aware of some of the ECG’s problems with regard to people encroaching on utility corridors illegally and how it affects the ECG distribution system in the metropolis, adding that the collaboration he is hoping for will extend to how to handle all such issues.

Mr. Ashitey made mention of numerous concerns he had already received from his previous engagements with other organizations and people, and said one constant issue that kept coming up had to do with streetlights which are not functioning. Regarding this, he said the TMA was already working on ensuring that the streets will be lighted as much as possible.

The Management of the Tema Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited which met the MCE was headed by the General Manager for the Region, Ing. Emmanuel Akinie. He thanked the newly elected MCE for the courtesy call, while congratulating him on his appointment. He gave a brief overview of the operations of the ECG Tema Region, stating that there are eight Districts under the Region.

The Districts are Ada, Krobo, Afienya, Prampram, Nungua, Tema North, Tema South and the recently created Ashaiman District. However, per the jurisdiction of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, he indicated that the Tema North and Tema South Districts are the main ones which fall under the TMA, hence a lot of collaborative efforts will be championed by these Districts.

As part of an open forum for discussions across board, Ing. Akinie indicated that there have been instances elsewhere where demolition exercises have been carried out by Assemblies without the knowledge of ECG.

He admitted that he has not experienced such in Tema, however, should the Assembly decide on any such demolition, he would plead that ECG should be informed, so ECG can at least recover possible debts owed by such customers as well to take custody of its network, including the meters.

There was also an issue of  squatters encroaching on the frontage of the Tema North District, for which the MCE’s support was sought to help clear them.

The semi-formal meeting had an open forum which was engaging, as members from both divide shared issues of mutual concerns and benefits, with a general desire from each divide to help and support the other to succeed.