General News of Monday, 12 August 2002

Source: Accra Mail

24 Power Thieves Arrested

The Wa Police collaboration with officials of Volta River Authority at the weekend, arrested 24 people in the Wa township for illegally connecting electricity to their homes and business premises.

Those arrested included hoteliers, welders, bar and cold store operators.

A release signed by Inspector Danial Dorkpoh, Upper West Police public Relations Officer of the Police, said the taskforce realised 25 million cedis from its 'on-spot penalties' of 500,000 cedis on each culprit in addition to charges for the amount of power consumed illegally.

He said they would also be arraigned before a court.

Speaking to the GNA, Mr Danladi M. Bukari, Area Manager of the VRA, announced an incentive package of one hundred thousand cedis for every informant who reported an illegal connection.

He said while VRA is under intense pressure to serve its numerous customers it is unfortunate that some people are thwarting the efforts of the Authority.