The Ashanti West Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has recovered GHS 4,388,264.59 in surcharges from customers who illegally connected to the national grid in 2025.
The recovered amount forms part of a total GHS 5,812,727.06 surcharged to customers involved in illegal power consumption last year, equivalent to 3,018,561.10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, Mr George Amoah, General Manager of ECG Ashanti West Region, told the media.
He said the company is actively pursuing the recovery of the remaining balance as part of efforts to reduce commercial losses caused by power theft and ensure a sustainable electricity supply chain.
“As a company, we must pay our suppliers, including GRIDCo, Volta River Authority (VRA), and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Illegal consumption denies us funds to settle these obligations,” Mr Amoah explained.
He added that illegal connections also overload transformers, causing low voltage and interruptions in power supply.
To curb power theft, ECG conducted inspections across its operational areas, including Bantama and Denkyemuoso. About 8,182 customers including households, hotels, restaurants, cold stores, and other institutions—were visited both day and night by the revenue recovery team.
Some of the illegal activities uncovered included meter bypass, unauthorised and direct connections, and meter tampering.
Mr Amoah cautioned the public against illegal connections, describing it as a criminal act punishable under Executive Instrument (E.I.) 38 of the Appointment of Public Prosecution Instrument (2010).
He also highlighted safety risks, including electrocution and fire outbreaks, associated with such acts.
He urged citizens to partner with ECG by reporting suspected offenders and meter abnormalities instead of tampering with meters or hiring unlicensed electricians.
Mr Frank Mensah, Ashanti West Regional Revenue Protection Manager, said the company plans to intensify monitoring this year to clamp down on power theft. He noted that some offenders caught previously have resorted to replacing their meters with fake ones to evade payment.
The ECG reiterated its commitment to protecting the electricity supply chain, recovering lost revenue, and ensuring reliable service to all customers.
