31-year old arrested in Abuakwa for stealing prepaid meters

Police in Abuakwa have arrested Prince Asare, a 31-year-old resident of Sepaase in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, for allegedly stealing prepaid electricity meters.

Asare was reportedly caught red-handed in Abuakwa Agogo Newsite by local residents while attempting to steal a meter. He was swiftly handed over to the police, who have since detained him at the Abuakwa District Police Station pending further investigation and court proceedings.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has expressed growing concern over a rising wave of meter thefts in the Ashanti Region. According to Ing. George Amoah, General Manager for ECG’s Ashanti West Region, the company has seen a sharp increase in customer complaints about stolen meters.

Investigations suggest the suspect operated by moving from one community to another, stealing prepaid meters and in some cases, swapping them with fake postpaid meters. These fake meters, according to ECG, are not linked to their system and allow electricity to be consumed without billing—leading to revenue loss and power theft.

As part of efforts to curb the trend, ECG is intensifying public education and collaborating closely with law enforcement. The utility provider is urging the public to report suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.

The company has also warned that anyone caught tampering with, stealing, or damaging ECG installations will face prosecution.

Asare is expected to be arraigned in court soon.