The ECG-Kroboland debacle is taking a new dimension in a move that is not in the interest of the nation.
Some criminal gangs have taken the law into their hands and are cutting down high tension poles belonging to the ECG. This occurred at Adelakope on the Tema-Akosombo highway in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern region.
These high tension poles connect power to communities such as Akuse junction, Akorley and Aseseeso in the Okere district.
The sad incident is believed to have happened Thursday night as the residents protest against the over ten days continuous power cuts in the area.
Rite FM reporter told Starr FM news that “Unidentified persons reportedly around 11:00 pm cut off a high tension Pole with chainsaw at Adelakope on the Tema, Akosombo high way in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of Eastern region which connects power to communities such as Akuse junction, Akorley and Aseseeso in the Okere district”.
The ECG-Kroboland issue is an old battle, but the Electricity Company of Ghana in an unusual fashion “switched feeders supplying power to Yilo and Manya Krobo municipalities” on July 27, 2022.
This the did over what they say was an attacks on its staff and tempering of its transformers by some unscrupulous residents resisting prepaid meter installations.
Life is almost grinding to a halt in the twin municipalities. Its impact on health and education in particular is dire.
The Municipal education offices in the two municipalities are threatening to close schools(secondary) if the issue persist.
Mr Solomon Sackitey who is the public relation officer for the Yilo Krobo education directorate said schools spend between GHs300.00 to GHs500.00 to power their plants which help in preserving perishables in their fridges.
The health sector is also impacted heavily in the two adjoining districts. “Management of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Health Directorates in a joint statement issued on August 1, 2022, warned of a public health emergency if power is not restored to their districts immediately”.
Their statement had it that “Ongoing COVID-19 vaccination is also affected as a result vaccination team, district and sub-district supervisors are not able to charge their mobile phones and tablets, therefore not been able to enter data and monitoring/supervisory reports.”
“The power outage has affected all aspects of clinical and public health care in the facility. The most affected areas are maternity units, laboratory services, in-patients, vaccine fridges and administration.”
But the question to ask is: will this solve the issue?
Will the cutting down of the poles bring back the light?
It is a big no and this will rather prolong the issue and increase the level of hardship and suffering of the people.
The chiefs and opinion leaders have disassociated themselves from these activities. They further threatened that they will not cover anyone who destroy government property and that the law will deal with such persons.
