Tarkwa (W/R), June 10-GNA-The frequent stealing of Telecommunication wires and electricity cables at Tarkwa has assumed an alarming proportion.

Barely, one and a half months ago, hundreds of thousands of metres of wires and cables belonging to Ghana Telecom and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been cut by thieves thereby depriving customers of telecommunication services in hundreds of homes and offices.

The areas that are seriously affected are Tarkwa N'Aboso (TNA), Low Cost, Railway quarters, Tamso, Brenuakyim, New Atuabo and offices of Tarkwa District Forest Services Division.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency here, the Assemblyman for TNA said the electorate woke up last Wednesday to realize that hundreds of thousand of metres of cables and wires connecting the Electoral Area have been cut.

When Mr. Francis Quartey, Tarkwa Area Manager, Ghana Telecom was contacted, he expressed shock at the fast rate at which wires were being stolen.

He said within one and half months, Telecom has recorded three theft cases involving cutting of telecom wires. Mr. Quartey said it is costing the company and obstructing provision of services to customers.

Asked what measure was being taken to address the situation, he said bunches or clutters drop wires would be replaced by "ten in one" cable and also create public awareness for the public to beware of the clandestine activities of the thieves.

He said currently few materials left are being used to reconnect the priority areas.

Mr. Emmanuel Akinie Tarkwa Area ECG manager on his part said for the past two weeks thieves have cut hundreds of meters of ECG copper wires.

He said the areas mostly affected included low-cost, Brahabome, Bogoso and Nsuta.

He said normally the high-tension wires, which are heavy copper laden, are cut and it is believed that the wires were being sold to scrap dealers.

He said, for instance, one hundred and ten meters was cut at a location at Bogoso. He said appealed to the public to sleep with one eye open to help stem the increasing incidents of cable theft in the area.