By Daniel Adu Darko
Accra, Jan 27, GNA – The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) has refuted claims that its staff caused a fire at a residential facility in Two-Streams, Koforidua, following a disconnection exercise.
The company has described the allegations as completely false and urged the public to disregard them.
In a press release signed by Mr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager/External Communications, ECG, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the company clarified that the customer involved owed the company GH¢6,519.38 since September 2024 and was disconnected for non-payment of bills.
According to the statement, during a routine revenue mobilization exercise dubbed “Operation Keep the Lights On” on January 24, 2025, ECG staff discovered that the customer had engaged in an illegal self-reconnection.
The statement added that attempts to disconnect the facility were met with resistance, as the customer reportedly threatened the ECG team with a machete.
Fearing for their safety, Mr Nii Ayiku Ayiku in the release said that the team sought assistance from the police.
“…in the presence of the police, the ECG staff disconnected the power supply directly from a pole outside the facility. The fire outbreak per the reports, occurred later in the day, hours after our team had left the area of the incident,” the statement said.
However, ECG categorically denied any link between the disconnection and the fire.
“Disconnection of the power supply directly from a pole completely curtails electricity supply to the affected premises and cannot, by any means, result in a fire outbreak,” the statement emphasised.
The company further explained that disconnection is a lawful operation aimed at ensuring customers pay for the electricity they consume.
It assured the public of its commitment to customer safety and urged all customers to settle their electricity bills promptly to avoid disconnection or legal consequences.
ECG also cautioned against illegal connections, describing them as criminal acts with severe penalties.
The company reiterated its dedication to delivering reliable services without endangering the lives or property of its customers.
The public was however advised to seek accurate information from ECG or its authorized channels regarding such matters.
GNA