Ghana's Energy Minister John Jinapor wants to crack down hard on people who steal and smuggle electricity meters. He told Parliament that criminals have been installing these meters illegally across the country. The Electricity Company of Ghana remains the only group allowed to put in new meters for homes and businesses. Jinapor plans to bring tough new laws to Parliament that will punish these meter thieves severely. He believes harsh penalties will stop others from trying the same crimes.
The minister revealed that authorities already arrest and prosecute meter smugglers through a special court system. He wants to make the punishments even worse to scare off future criminals. Parliament will receive a draft Legislative Instrument that outlines these new penalties. Jinapor stressed that only ECG workers can legally handle meter installations. The government refuses to let unauthorized people continue this illegal practice.
Officials face dangerous attacks when they try to stop meter theft and recover stolen equipment. Workers from the Northern Electricity Distribution Company were attacked just yesterday during their operations. Jinapor asked Ghanaians to help utility companies instead of fighting against them. He warned that the entire electricity sector will suffer if people keep attacking recovery teams. The minister believes public cooperation is essential for stopping revenue losses and protecting utility workers from harm.
The minister revealed that authorities already arrest and prosecute meter smugglers through a special court system. He wants to make the punishments even worse to scare off future criminals. Parliament will receive a draft Legislative Instrument that outlines these new penalties. Jinapor stressed that only ECG workers can legally handle meter installations. The government refuses to let unauthorized people continue this illegal practice.
Officials face dangerous attacks when they try to stop meter theft and recover stolen equipment. Workers from the Northern Electricity Distribution Company were attacked just yesterday during their operations. Jinapor asked Ghanaians to help utility companies instead of fighting against them. He warned that the entire electricity sector will suffer if people keep attacking recovery teams. The minister believes public cooperation is essential for stopping revenue losses and protecting utility workers from harm.
