The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has confiscated more than 300 electricity meters from residents suspected of illegal power connections during a two-day dawn operation in Tamale.
The exercise, conducted between 05:30 and 06:30, targeted the Kalpohin and Kukuo communities. According to NEDCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Maxwell Kotoka, the operation uncovered widespread meter bypassing and other forms of electricity theft.
“In just two days, focusing on only two communities at daybreak, we have identified more than 300 individuals engaged in illegal connections and meter bypass,” he stated.
The company has previously indicated that it is losing approximately 46% of distributed electricity to theft, a situation that poses significant financial risks. These losses are particularly pronounced within the Tamale Metropolis, where illegal connections and meter tampering have contributed to substantial revenue deficits.
Mr Kotoka further noted that many of the seized meters had been deliberately damaged in the course of tampering. He emphasised that the destruction of smart meters—described as costly infrastructure—ultimately places a burden on consumers, as it constrains the company’s capacity to supply new meters to legitimate applicants.
He explained that recent investments in metering infrastructure are being undermined by such practices. “When newly procured meters are destroyed in large numbers, replacement becomes necessary, limiting our ability to expand access to other customers,” he said.
The spokesperson also linked the issue to broader electricity supply challenges, noting that several transformers have recently been installed or replaced across the region. Seven were deployed within Tamale, with additional installations in Kpandai, Kete Krachi, and Bimbilla.
He warned that continued power theft undermines government and institutional investments in energy infrastructure and indicated that individuals found culpable would face legal consequences.
