The Ghana Police Service in coordination with local security agencies arrested five men suspected of vandalizing critical electrical infrastructure belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana. According to a Citi Newsroom report the suspects were caught while allegedly dismantling a high tension transformer in the Eastern Region. The incident resulted in an immediate disruption of power supply to numerous residents and businesses across multiple communities.
Officials from the Electricity Company of Ghana stated that the destruction of the transformer caused a widespread blackout that required extensive emergency repairs. A Daily Guide Network report noted that the suspects were found with various tools used for stripping copper wires and other valuable components from the electrical unit. The identities of the five individuals have not yet been released to the public pending further investigation by the regional police command.
The Eastern Regional Police Command confirmed that the suspects are being held in custody as officers prepare formal charges related to the destruction of public property and theft. A report from GhanaWeb indicated that the arrests were made following a tip off from local residents who noticed suspicious activity near the power installation during the night. The police have praised the community for their vigilance in protecting state assets from criminal elements.
Management of the Electricity Company of Ghana expressed concern over the rising cases of infrastructure vandalism which costs the state significant financial resources. The utility provider informed the press that they are working closely with law enforcement to increase patrols around vulnerable power installations. The five suspects are expected to be arraigned before a circuit court once the preliminary investigations are concluded by the Ghana Police Service.