A suspected cable thief has met a tragic end after being electrocuted at the Adoato Substation 'B' of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The man, whose identity remains unknown, was found lifeless on the morning of Saturday, April 19, 2025, with one hand clutched around a high-voltage copper cable, while his other hand held a pair of pliers. The authorities believe the man was attempting to steal cables from the substation when the accident occurred.
According to the General Manager of the Ashanti Substation, Ing. Peter Kofi Fletcher, the thief entered the facility illegally by tunnelling underground to bypass the security measures in place. This is the second time in four months that the Adoato Substation has fallen victim to cable theft, highlighting a troubling trend in the region. Ing. Fletcher expressed his concerns about the security challenges the ECG faces, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure from scrap dealers who target distribution sub-stations for their valuable cables.
Upon discovering the body, it became evident that several electrical cables had been severely damaged during the theft attempt. This caused widespread power outages in several communities within Kumasi, leaving residents without electricity. The substation, which operates at 33,000 volts—far higher than the typical 230 volts found in homes—sustained significant damage due to the theft. Ing. Fletcher explained that even a small portion of the cables, when cut, can have far-reaching consequences on the station’s operations, impacting power distribution across the region.
The cost of repairing the damage is expected to be substantial. ECG officials now face the challenge of sourcing new conductors and logs to replace the damaged cables and restore power to affected areas. “These wires, they are not just for fun. They serve a purpose that if you cut any portion, it causes a whole lot of problems to the substation,” Ing. Fletcher remarked.
The incident highlights the ongoing battle against cable theft in Ghana. Scrap dealers, who often target valuable metals like copper, have become a serious concern for the ECG. Ing. Fletcher noted that cable theft has become increasingly prevalent across the country, especially in distribution sub-stations. He warned that such thefts come at a high cost not only for the company but also for consumers, who are left without power for extended periods.
This recurring issue has prompted the ECG to reconsider the security measures at its installations. As the thefts continue to take a toll, the company may be forced to implement stricter safeguards to protect its infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to customers. Ing. Fletcher also appealed to the public to assist in identifying those responsible for these crimes, which are often committed by scrap dealers looking to profit from stolen materials.
Meanwhile, the body of the unidentified man has been conveyed to the morgue by the police, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ECG is committed to addressing the ongoing issue of cable theft while ensuring that its infrastructure remains secure and operational.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0