Power has been restored to Bunsu town in the Eastern Region after criminals vandalised the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)'s transformer in the area.
The stolen 100KV transformer, located in front of the Bunso police and fire service stations, plunged the entire community into darkness for more than five days.
This incident marks the fifth time such theft has occurred in the district.
Speaking on Joy FM Midday News, the Public Relations Officer for the Eastern Region's Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Emmanuel Halm described the situation as worrying.
According to him, about 16 transformers have been damaged since 2023.
Mr Halm expressed concern over the methods used by the thieves to disable the transformers, suggesting that they may have specialised knowledge.
“I doubt that our staff would do that because they know the value of a transformer. We have referred the case to the police as we usually do and they are investigating. We are expecting some results from the police,” he added.
Mr Halm said the incident usually occurs overnight under mysterious circumstances.
He revealed that power has been restored to the residents and urged the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the police.
“We are appealing to the general public to be on the look out for suspicious characters who would be loitering around our stations whether in the day or in the night. It would be very helpful to us as a company.
"If you see any suspicious character, you can inform the police quickly so as to help us to protect this installations which are national assets,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, the Plants Genetic Resources Research Institute has applauded the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for swiftly restoring power and saving their preserved seeds from damage.
The Public Relations Officer (P.R.O), Benjamin Sakyi, mentioned that due to insufficient generators, they had to procure additional ones to maintain the cold room conservation. He emphasised that without electricity, their staff were not able to carry out their duties effectively.
“If some intervention had not come, it would have been a lot for us,” Mr. Sakyi said.
Credit: Isaac Kafui Nyanyovor