- Residents express concern over solar panel theft
- The situation has plunged some areas into darkness
- Oforikrom is a cocoa-growing community
Residents of Oforikrom in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region are expressing concern over the repeated theft of solar panels intended to power street lights in the farming community.
Unidentified individuals have been removing the solar panels from street lights, plunging certain areas into darkness at night.
According to Suleman Azure, the assembly member for the electoral area, no arrests have been made in connection with the thefts, but he warned those responsible to cease their activities, as the law will take action when they are caught.
Oforikrom is a cocoa-growing community, and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has installed solar-powered street lights in areas without electricity.
Azure expressed puzzlement over why some residents would remove the solar panels, which are meant to provide lighting for the community. ‘We are unsure what they use them for, but some have reportedly installed them on their buildings for personal use,’ he said.
The assembly member emphasized that the thefts are illegal and urged the culprits to consider the legality of their actions.
‘We are gathering information to trace the stolen panels and apprehend those responsible. We will make it clear that their actions are unlawful and that they need to respect the law as citizens.’ Azure vowed to take action to address the issue and ensure the community’s safety.
