24-year-old Iddris Ibrahim, a scrap dealer has been convicted to a fine of 400 penalty units or one year imprisonment by the Winneba District Court in the Central Region for stealing the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) transformer components.

The suspect prior to his conviction on Thursday, July 17, 2025, was apprehended on May 13, 2024, by a resident of Sankor, a suburb of Winneba-Low Cost with ECG core transformer components worth about GH¢40,198.89.

He was first sent to the Low Cost police station and later arranged before the Winneba District Court with the initial charge of stealing which was later withdrawn by prosecution for interfering with ECG supplier's distribution system, meters, and equipment.

According to court documents, the suspect's act contravened the rule 41 (2) of LI 1816 after pleading guilty to the charge levelled against him, having been arrested multiple times for stealing with no known convictions.

Iddris Ibrahim's sentence serves as a deterrent to potential culprits who plans to engage in such similar activities.

Efforts to combat power theft in the Central Region by ECG, has previously saw a host of culprits arrested and prosecuted over the years.

ECG with its commitment to clampdown on power theft in the region is collaborating with the Judicial Service to introduce special utility courts to curb power theft cases. 

The initiative aims to prosecute individuals and businesses found guilty of meter tampering, meter bypassing, and direct connections.

These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and cooperation between ECG, law enforcement agencies, and the public to prevent power theft and protect electrical infrastructure.

ECG in the fight against such irregularities affecting its operation, have issued a firm caution to individuals who turn to indulge in such activities, with a GH¢10,000 reward prize assured for persons dedicated to help ECG fish out for culprits of power theft for the law to have its due course on them. 

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan