The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has confiscated more than 300 electricity meters in a two-day operation targeting suspected power theft in Tamale.
The dawn exercise, conducted between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., covered the Kalpohin and Kukuo communities, where officials uncovered widespread cases of meter bypassing and illegal electricity connections.
Speaking to JoyNews, NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Maxwell Kotoka, described the situation as alarming, revealing that over 300 individuals were found to be involved in illegal connections within just the two communities.
He noted that power theft remains a major challenge for the company, with about 46 percent of electricity in the Tamale Metropolis reportedly lost through illegal consumption.
“What we have done in just two days, to go at the break of day between 5:30 and 6:30, and so far we have done only two communities. We have found more than 300 who are culpable, who have engaged in bypass, meter power theft,” he said.
Mr Kotoka also expressed concern about the destruction of smart meters during illegal connections, saying it worsens operational challenges as NEDCo is forced to replace expensive equipment instead of expanding access to new customers.
He explained that the situation places additional strain on the power distribution system, despite ongoing efforts to improve supply reliability.
“The sad part is that in the process they have damaged a good deal of these meters and the meters are pretty expensive. They are smart meters, and so when you destroy them like this, we the consumers are the very same people who will come and complain that when we ask for meters we don’t get,” he added.
He disclosed that seven new transformers have been installed in the Tamale Metropolis, with additional units deployed to Kpandai, Kete Krachi, and Bimbilla to strengthen electricity distribution.
Mr Kotoka warned that continued illegal connections could undermine these investments and confirmed that offenders will face prosecution.
NEDCo has therefore urged residents to desist from power theft and support efforts to ensure stable and sustainable electricity supply.
