A joint task force led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has shut down two recycling firms in Accra over allegations that they were purchasing stolen electrical infrastructure.
The operation, which also involved the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, resulted in the closure of NN Est Metal Company Ltd. and BlancoMet Recycling. Authorities say the firms are suspected of buying stolen streetlight cables, Electricity Company of Ghana cables, and other electrical equipment from scrap dealers operating in the city.
According to officials involved in the exercise, the action forms part of broader efforts to curb the theft of public infrastructure, which has contributed to frequent streetlight failures, power outages, and safety risks across parts of the capital. The task force said intelligence gathered prior to the operation suggested that scrap dealers were supplying stolen state-owned electrical materials to recycling companies.
The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council has not released details of any arrests linked to the shutdowns, and it remains unclear whether criminal charges have been filed against the companies or their directors at this stage. Officials say investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged activities and to identify individuals involved in the supply chain of the stolen materials.
The Electricity Company of Ghana has repeatedly raised concerns about cable theft, noting that it leads to service disruptions and significant financial losses. City authorities say enforcement actions against both scrap dealers and buyers are necessary to deter the practice.
The two companies have not publicly responded to the allegations. Under Ghanaian law, persons and entities accused of such offences are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.