Unidentified individuals targeted and vandalised a 200kVA transformer belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd (ECG) in Nsawam Adoagyiri, leaving the community of Nkumkrom shrouded in darkness.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, February 2, 2024, has sparked outrage and concern among residents and ECG officials alike.
According to a statement issued by ECG, the perpetrators dismantled and stole copper windings from the transformer, rendering it inoperable. The transformer, which served as a vital source of electricity for the residents of Nkumkrom, was forcefully pushed down from its pole mount, exacerbating the impact of the theft and leaving the entire community without power.
The estimated cost of the 200kVA transformer is valued at GhS 80,000.00, a significant financial loss for ECG and a devastating blow to the affected community. Emmanuel Ankrah, the Acting General Manager of the Accra West Region, expressed dismay over the incident, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding ECG installations.
“All electrical equipment we have installed in communities are for the benefit of the community, and so we all have to show greater care so that a few miscreants do not deny us of the benefits of these investments,” Ankrah stated.
The theft of copper windings from transformers is not a new phenomenon in Ghana, with similar incidents reported in various parts of the country in recent years. These thefts not only disrupt essential services but also pose significant safety risks to both the perpetrators and the community at large.
ECG has swiftly reported the incident to the Police, and investigations are currently underway to apprehend the culprits responsible for this act of sabotage. Meanwhile, efforts are being made to restore electricity to Nkumkrom and mitigate the impact of the outage on residents.
As the investigation progresses, ECG and local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around ECG installations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding vital infrastructure and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to all Ghanaian communities.