The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) has strongly denied allegations that its staff caused a fire outbreak at a residential facility in Two-Streams, Koforidua, during a disconnection exercise.

The allegations, which surfaced online, claim that actions taken by ECG personnel led to the blaze. However, ECG has described the accusations as entirely false and urged the public to dismiss them.

According to a statement issued by Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communications at ECG, the incident stems from a dispute with a postpaid customer who owed the company GH¢6,519.38 in unpaid bills dating back to September 2024.

“The customer’s allegation against ECG is completely false.
“Disconnection has been part of our operations, backed by law, to ensure that recalcitrant customers pay for the electricity they consume.”
Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communications at ECG

As part of ECG’s revenue mobilization campaign, “Operation Keep the Lights On,” a team visited the premises on January 24, 2025, to address the situation.

The statement explained that the team discovered an illegal self-reconnection by the customer after a previous disconnection for non-payment.

When ECG staff attempted to disconnect the customer again, the individual reportedly resisted, threatening them with a machete. Fearing for their safety, the ECG team called for police assistance.

With law enforcement present, the team proceeded to disconnect the facility by cutting power directly from the pole outside the residence.

The fire, which has been attributed to ECG staff by the resident, occurred hours after the disconnection team had left the area.

The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of illegal connections, which ECG has identified as a significant challenge in its operations.

Illegal reconnections not only deprive the company of revenue but also pose safety risks to the public. ECG warned customers against indulging in such practices, labeling them as criminal acts with legal repercussions.

The company urged all customers to pay their bills promptly and comply with regulations to avoid similar incidents. It also reiterated its commitment to pursuing legal action against those engaging in illegal electricity connections.

ECG’s Position

ECG categorically denied any responsibility for the fire, emphasizing that disconnecting power directly from a pole eliminates electricity supply to the affected property and cannot cause a fire.

“Disconnection has been part of our operations, backed by law, to ensure that recalcitrant customers pay for the electricity they consume.”
Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communications at ECG

ECG reassured the public that it is a customer-centric company committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

“We will not engage in any act that would endanger the lives and property of our cherished customers,” the company noted.

The fire in question reportedly occurred hours after the ECG team had completed its disconnection exercise and departed the area.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, ECG emphasized that its actions could not have triggered the blaze, as the disconnection at the pole fully severed the property’s electricity supply.

In response to the allegations, ECG called on the public to await official investigations rather than jump to conclusions based on unverified claims.

The Electricity Company of Ghana has categorically denied any involvement in the fire incident in Koforidua and urged the public to disregard unfounded allegations. The company reaffirmed its commitment to safety, transparency, and accountability in its operations.

ECG also used the opportunity to remind customers of their responsibilities, urging them to pay their bills on time and refrain from illegal practices such as self-reconnection.

The company stressed that compliance with these measures is crucial to ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for all.

As investigations into the fire continue, ECG called for patience and a focus on factual reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The company remains committed to its mandate of providing electricity services while upholding the highest standards of safety and professionalism.