By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ayigboe-Ada, April 8, GNA – Residents of Ayigboe, a coastal community in the Ada East District, are living in fear that low-hanging, faulty electricity cables continue to pose a serious threat to lives and property.
The situation, which residents say has persisted for over five months, has heightened concerns, especially with the onset of the rainy season.
Community members told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the cables dropped dangerously low, making it possible for individuals to contact them.
“The cables keep descending, and we fear our children. If heavy rains come, the entire community could be in danger,” a resident, who gave his name as Papa, said.
Mr Amarh Lawer, Assembly Member for the area, attributed the situation to a broken hook on one of the electricity poles, which had caused imbalance and strain on the cables.
He said parts of the cables were now resting on walls and rooftops of houses, increasing the risk of electrocution and fire outbreaks.
“As we speak, some poles are weakening. If they collapse and ignite a fire, the consequences will be devastating, especially because many houses here are built with thatch,” he warned.
Mr Lawer expressed frustration over what he described as a delayed response from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), despite several reports.
“Whenever we call, they tell us there are no hooks available and that they are expecting supplies. It has been more than five months, yet no action has been taken,” he said.
A GNA visit to the area confirmed that some of the cables had dropped to dangerously low levels, with portions hanging close to a community water reservoir.
Residents fear that any contact between the live cables and the water source could result in fatal consequences.
The presence of thatch and palm-branch roofing in many homes further heightens the risk of rapid fire spread in the event of a spark.
Residents are therefore calling for immediate intervention by the Electricity Company of Ghana to prevent a potential disaster.
Efforts to reach Mr. Louis Harley Kwame Nutsugah, District Manager of ECG, for comments were unsuccessful.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/George-Ramsey Benamba