ECG Recovers Over GH¢4.3M from Illegal Power Connections
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ashanti West Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) recovered GH¢4,388,264.59 in surcharges from customers engaged in illegal power connections in 2025, as the power distributor intensifies efforts to curb revenue leakages and strengthen the national electricity supply chain.
The recovered amount forms part of a total GH¢5,812,727.06 surcharged to customers found culpable of illegal power consumption last year. The infractions involved an estimated 3,018,561.10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, according to Mr. George Amoah, General Manager of ECG Ashanti West Region.
Addressing the media, Mr. Amoah disclosed that the company is actively pursuing recovery of the outstanding balance, stressing that illegal consumption significantly undermines ECG’s financial stability and operational efficiency.
“As a company, we must pay our suppliers, including GRIDCo, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Illegal consumption denies us the funds required to settle these obligations,” he stated.
He further explained that beyond revenue losses, power theft places excessive strain on infrastructure. Illegal connections often overload transformers, leading to low voltage levels, frequent outages, and equipment breakdowns that ultimately affect law-abiding customers.
To combat the menace, ECG’s revenue recovery teams undertook extensive inspections across key operational areas, including Bantama and Denkyemuoso. A total of 8,182 customers, comprising households, hotels, restaurants, cold stores, and other commercial entities were inspected during both daytime and nighttime operations.
The exercise uncovered various forms of illegal activity, including meter bypass, direct unauthorised connections to the national grid, and deliberate meter tampering. Some offenders were also found to have installed fake meters in attempts to evade detection and payment.
Mr. Amoah cautioned that illegal electricity connections constitute a criminal offence punishable under Executive Instrument (E.I.) 38 of the Appointment of Public Prosecution Instrument (2010). He warned that offenders risk prosecution, fines, and possible imprisonment.
He also highlighted the serious safety implications associated with power theft, including the risks of electrocution, electrical fires, and destruction of property.
Mr. Frank Mensah, Ashanti West Regional Revenue Protection Manager, indicated that ECG will intensify surveillance and enforcement activities in 2026 to further clamp down on illegal connections. He noted that the company is strengthening its monitoring systems to detect sophisticated forms of tampering and meter replacement.
ECG reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the electricity distribution network, recovering lost revenue, and ensuring stable and reliable power supply to customers who comply with regulations.
