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

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

Presiding over the case, Mr. Bright Samuel Acquah ordered the accused, Eric Afriyie, to provide one surety as part of his bail conditions.

Afriyie, 53, who is self-employed, has pleaded not guilty to charges including theft, causing unlawful damage to an ECG meter, and unauthorized interference with the company’s distribution system. He is expected to reappear before the court on April 11, 2025.

According to the prosecution, the case was initiated by a complaint from Madam Regina Ayim, a trader residing at Alhaji Tabora and a tenant in Afriyie’s house.

On March 3, 2025, Ayim reported that the landlord had been collecting money from tenants under the pretext of purchasing electricity credits but allegedly diverted the funds for his own use.

As a result of the complaint, ECG officials inspected the premises and discovered that the meter had been tampered with. The tenants, suspecting foul play, pointed fingers at the landlord.

Further investigations by ECG personnel revealed that the meter had been bypassed. Consequently, power supply to the premises was disconnected, and the tenants were asked to visit ECG’s office to resolve the issue. After complying, power was restored for the tenants.

However, the landlord reportedly ignored ECG's invitation and did not have his connection restored. Instead, he allegedly hired someone to illegally reconnect his supply, enabling him to use electricity without paying.

Afriyie was later arrested on March 19, 2025. In a cautioned statement to the police, he reportedly admitted to the offence and expressed regret for his actions against ECG.

Following investigations, he was formally charged and brought before the court.