A Circuit Court in Koforidua remanded three individuals into custody following their appearance on Friday for the alleged theft of power transformers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana. The Ghana News Agency reported that the suspects were apprehended in connection with the disappearance of critical infrastructure valued at approximately 500,000 Ghana Cedis. The prosecution stated that the activities of the suspects led to significant power disruptions across multiple communities within the Eastern Region.
The Ghana Police Service informed the court that the investigation began after ECG officials reported the vandalism of several substations. According to a Daily Graphic report the police recovered various components of the stolen transformers during a search operation. The items seized included copper windings and cooling oils which the prosecution alleges were intended for the scrap metal market.
During the proceedings the presiding judge refused bail for the trio due to the severity of the charges and the potential impact on public utility services. A report by Citi Newsroom indicated that the suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and stealing of public property. The defense counsel argued for bail on the grounds that the suspects would cooperate with investigators but the court upheld the remand warrant to allow the police to finalize their inquiries.
ECG officials stated in a public release that the theft of such high value equipment has increased maintenance costs and caused economic losses to local businesses. The Ghana News Agency confirmed that the case has been adjourned and is scheduled for a follow up hearing later this month as the police search for additional accomplices. The names of the suspects remain withheld by some outlets pending further verification of their identities against official court records.