Landlord granted GH¢20,000 bail for alleged electricity theft

An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 to a landlord accused of unlawfully tapping electricity worth GH¢7,067.87 from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Presiding Judge Bright Samuel Acquah ruled that the accused, 53-year-old Eric Afriyie, must provide a surety to validate the bail conditions. Afriyie pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include stealing electricity, damaging ECG equipment, and unlawfully bypassing the meter system.

The case is set to continue on April 11, 2025.

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Regina Ayim—a trader living at Alhaji Tabora—reported the issue after noticing suspicious behavior. She told authorities that Afriyie, who owns the property, had been collecting money from tenants to purchase electricity but allegedly diverted the funds for personal use.

Following a complaint, ECG officials inspected the premises and found evidence of tampering with the meter. It was alleged that the landlord had illegally bypassed the ECG meter, leading to the disconnection of the entire house.

Although the tenants complied with ECG protocols and were eventually reconnected, the landlord reportedly ignored ECG’s summons. Instead, he allegedly hired an unauthorized person to reconnect his supply, allowing him to use power without payment.

The police arrested Afriyie on March 19, 2025. In his caution statement, he reportedly confessed to the offense and expressed regret for undermining ECG's authority. He was subsequently charged and arraigned before the court.