Accra: The Accra West Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has initiated the installation of new smart prepaid meters for residents of Wiaboman, a coastal community in the Greater Accra region. This initiative aims to replace a total of 4,000 faulty meters and provide new applicants with MMS-compliant smart prepaid meters as part of the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP).

According to Ghana News Agency, this move is designed to enhance service delivery, improve customer satisfaction and convenience, and reduce the company’s commercial losses in the community. During a community engagement with Wiaboman residents, ECG detailed plans to address power-related challenges faced by the community.

The acting District Manager for the Bortianor district, Ing. John Afanu, emphasized that the replacement exercise is free of charge for customers. He explained that significant revenue losses have been incurred from the community, and the new meters are expected to address these issues. The smart prepaid meters will enable customers to purchase power at any time of the day, and the ECG Power app allows for direct reporting of power outages and challenges.

Revenue Protection Manager Dr. Mark Owusu Ansah expressed concern over the high rate of illegal activities in the area, noting that illegal connections pose dangers such as fire outbreaks and unstable power reliability. He warned that illegal connections overburden transformers, leading to damage that is costly for ECG to replace. Individuals found engaging in illegal activities will face disconnection, surcharges, prosecution for power theft, and potential media exposure. Dr. Ansah also advised against using substandard cables and urged consulting certified electricians to prevent fire hazards.

On behalf of the community, Assemblyman Hon. Samuel Mensah welcomed ECG’s engagement and pledged the community’s support in eliminating challenges and illegal activities. He agreed that these efforts would enhance customer satisfaction and ensure ECG receives necessary revenue from the area.

The engagement was attended by community members including the chief of Wiaboman, Nii Shantakplebi, local political leaders, traditional leaders, and elders. The Accra West region encompasses eight districts: Ablekuma, Achimota, Amasaman, Bortianor, Dansoman, Kaneshie, Korlebu, and Nsawam.