Protests over prepaid meters untenable

Dear Editor,

I am appalled at banter between some citizens of Yilo Krobo and Electricity Company of Ghana over the installation of prepaid meters in the area. Since 2014, some the residents and officials of the ECG have been in the news for the wrong reason.

I learnt disagreement over electricity bills had led to protests and attacks on ECG staff and destruction of property belonging to the company with some groups resolving not to pay electricity bills anylonger.

Renewed disturbances, according to a recent report, compelled ECG to relocate its District Office from Somanya to Juapong so as to protect its staff in parts of Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities.

These happenings, I believe, are uncalled for to the extent that it has taken the intervention of the military and police for ECG to start installing prepaid meters at some residence in the district.

I do not know how well stakeholders are engaging the residents to find amicable solutions to their grievances but, thankfully, calm seems to be returning to the area following the deployment of security personnel.

While I urge ECG to continue carrying out its mandate without fear or favour, I wish to remind residents that everybody pays for utilities supplied by the state, therefore, the argument of the youth groups behind the protests are untenable.

In addition to the security precaution, stakeholders and opinion leaders in the area must call their followers to order so we do not witness clashes when the military personnel leave the area after the installation of the meters.  

Fred Odamy,

Akuse.