The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has raised concerns over the growing presence of counterfeit electricity meters in the Ghanaian market, particularly in the Ashanti region. The company has issued a stern warning to the public to avoid engaging in the illegal sale, distribution, and purchase of these fake meters.

Maxwell Dapaah, General Manager of ECG’s Ashanti West Region, expressed the company’s alarm over the influx of substandard meters, emphasizing that measures are being taken to combat this illegal activity. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, Dapaah revealed that, in collaboration with security agencies, ECG had already confiscated some of these meters at Dabala checkpoint during an inspection of a bus traveling from Aflao to Kumasi, and at Tech Junction in a VIP bus.

Investigations indicated that the fake meters were being imported from Togo. Dapaah warned that it is illegal for private individuals to install their own electric meters without authorization from ECG. He also noted that meters installed by individuals would not be integrated into ECG’s billing system, further complicating commercial and technical operations.

“It is illegal to import meters into the country and acquire meters from sources other than ECG. We will take all necessary legal actions against individuals attempting to infiltrate our network with these fake meters, as well as those who aid them by selling or buying these devices,” Dapaah stated.

He urged customers to refrain from purchasing meters from third parties and to instead seek such services directly from ECG offices. Dapaah also called on the public to support the company’s efforts to eliminate the circulation of counterfeit meters, which pose significant risks to the integrity of the electrical system and the safety of consumers.