The Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, has disclosed that steps are being taken to clamp down on the smuggling of electricity meters and enforce existing regulations.
He noted that although the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is the only institution legally mandated to install meters, some individuals have been engaging in the practice illegally.
Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, July 2, the minister revealed that his ministry will soon present a draft Legislative Instrument (LI) to introduce punitive measures against such offenders.
“Ordinarily, it is ECG that has the mandate to install meters, and so we are working on an LI to be submitted to Parliament, so that those who otherwise hold such meters will face penalties. The punitive measures will be quite severe to serve as a deterrent,” he said.
“We’ve been arresting people. We’ve been prosecuting them. In fact, there’s a dedicated court for such offences. And so, in collaboration with this House, we intend to bring that legislation to make the punishment more severe,” he added.
John Jinapor also expressed concern about attacks on officials during operations and urged public support.
“For instance, yesterday, when our men from NEDCo went out on an exercise, some of them were attacked. So, Mr. Speaker, let me use this opportunity to make a passionate and humble appeal to Ghanaians: if we don’t work with these utilities to help recover revenues, the sector will suffer,” he said.
