The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a stern caution to the general public to desist from engaging in power theft and stop employing unapproved electricians—commonly referred to in communities as Gollow Boys—for illegal power connections. The warning comes from Engineer Kingsley Acquah, District Manager of ECG in Bekwai, who emphasized that such unlawful acts will not be tolerated.
Speaking during a health walk organized by ECG Parliament House, a staff group based in Kumasi, Engineer Acquah described illegal power connections as a major threat to national development, public safety, and ECG’s ability to deliver stable electricity to Ghanaians.
“Power theft is a serious crime. Anyone who engages in it or supports it in any form—either by hiring unapproved electricians or tampering with ECG installations—will be arrested and prosecuted. We are working with the security services, and we are not going to spare offenders,” he warned.
The health walk, themed “Walk for Health for the Job,” brought together ECG workers from various divisions across Kumasi and its surrounding areas. The event aimed to promote staff fitness and workplace morale, but it also served as a platform to address pressing issues such as illegal connections and public cooperation with ECG.
Engineer Acquah took the opportunity to urge the public to follow proper procedures for all electricity-related services, including meter acquisition, reconnections, and resolving faults.
“If your light goes off, don’t turn to politicians or use shortcuts. Come directly to our ECG office. If you need a meter, go through the right channel. Stop using unapproved electricians—this endangers lives and damages our system,” he stressed.
He further called on the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal connections in their communities and assured that such reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality and urgency.
The ECG boss also used the occasion to highlight the company’s efforts to improve service delivery through digitization and more accessible customer service channels. He urged residents to take advantage of these improvements instead of turning to backdoor operators.
During the event, Mr. Adusi Poku, a licensed electrical contractor with ECG, drew attention to the potential dangers of tree planting under ECG lines as part of the national Green Ghana Project. He advised that trees planted too close to electricity poles and lines can become serious hazards.
“Trees can conduct electricity when they touch high-tension cables. This can lead to power outages, fires, or even loss of lives. We urge the government and the Forestry Commission to involve ECG in planning these tree planting projects so we can guide on proper safety distances,” he advised.
Meanwhile, staff from ECG Parliament House who participated in the health walk called on their colleagues to prioritize their health and join future walks. They praised the initiative as both a wellness boost and an avenue for building staff unity.
One participant shared, “This walk is not just about exercise—it reminds us that we need to stay healthy to serve the public better. We encourage all ECG workers to be part of the next one.”
The health walk concluded with a renewed commitment from ECG staff to uphold safety standards and support the company’s drive to reduce power theft. The company is calling on all Ghanaians to cooperate by using only approved channels for power services, avoiding illegal connections, and reporting offenders to protect lives and the national grid.
