By Naa Shormei Odonkor
Kumasi Feb. 19, GNA – Vandalization and stealing of vital components of a ground mounted 500KVA transformer at Adum in Kumasi, has been the cause of recent power outages in the central business district of Kumasi.
The transformer mounted at the Old Melcom area, has been vandalised and had its vital components such as cables, fuses, distribution pillars, switches, cover plates and others, which help to supply power to residents and shops in the area have been stolen by some unknown persons.
Mr Benjamin Oben Antwi, the Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti West region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Kumasi that, the incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2025.
He said the situation led to a prolonged power outage, plunging thousands of customers into darkness and negatively affecting business activities in the area for days.
“Our Engineers worked tirelessly to restore power supply this morning to enhance trading activities in the area,” Mr. Antwi said.
According to him, the menace of vandalising ECG installations had become rampant in the Ashanti region and was affecting the delivery of quality, reliable and safe electricity services to citizens.
Mr Antwi noted that within some couple of weeks, the ECG had changed many fuses in Adum, adding, “we cannot continue like this.”
He urged people to help the ECG to protect electrical installations such as poles, transformers, and cables from been vandalized by unknown persons to ensure stable supply of power in the region.
“Without the help of customers and the public, we cannot stop this illegal act alone so please, let us all be vigilant.
Let us own and protect ECG installations in our respective electoral areas,” he added.
Mr Antwi said workers of the ECG could be identified by their overall coats, Identification Cards, and reflectors.
Additionally, “ECG faults and maintenance teams always move in groups or teams and not alone, so if you see a single individual around our installations, please question them.
When they act suspicious, please report them to the police,” he advised.
Mr Antwi apologized to the public for the inconvenience caused by the incident.
GNA