A 100kVA transformer belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was stolen last week from the Bunso Police barrier in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region. The transformer, valued at GH¢71,000, was taken from a site adjacent to the police station and Fire Service command, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure in the area.
According to sources at the Eastern Regional Office of ECG, the theft occurred while personnel were on duty, suggesting a high level of sophistication and planning by the thieves. The transformer was stationed on the land of the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, a stone’s throw away from the police station and Fire Service command.
The theft has resulted in power cuts to nearby institutions, including the CSIR-Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute, and households in the enclave, leaving residents frustrated and businesses disrupted. The power outage has lasted for over a week, with no clear indication of when the situation will be resolved.
Management of ECG is working tirelessly to replace the stolen transformer, which will come at an additional 20% cost, sources revealed. The company is also urging security agencies to be more proactive and vigilant in clamping down on criminal elements that threaten stable power supply.
The theft of the transformer is the latest in a series of attacks on ECG installations in the region, leaving management and residents worried about the safety of critical infrastructure. “We are deeply worried about the incessant attacks on our installations,” said a source. “We need the security agencies to be more proactive and vigilant to help us address this issue.”
