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Tricia, like many Ghanaians, had heard the complaints about the Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd. (ECG) but never imagined she’d become another casualty of their infamous inefficiency. Her ordeal began when ECG subcontracted Hi-Tech to replace power meters in her North Kaneshie residential area, including her house. What should have been a routine procedure turned into a nightmare, leaving Tricia’s household without electricity for days, and exposing the deep-seated dysfunction in Ghana’s power sector.

ECG HIRES CONTRACTORS WHOSE COMPETENCE RAISES QUESTIONS

When the Hi-Tech technicians arrived, they swiftly removed the old meter and installed a new one. But the installation was incomplete—the new meter and its remote failed to work, and in the process, they disconnected her power completely. Calls to ECG for help led nowhere, with the company directing her back to Hi-Tech. Hi-Tech, in turn, pointed her right back to ECG, trapping her in a maddening cycle of blame-shifting. Days passed, her home had no meter and remained in darkness, and no one took responsibility.

Changing ECG meter has become a nightmare for North Kaneshie resident

Frustrated and infuriated, Tricia took to social media to share her plight. She is hoping that her post, describing how both ECG and Hi-Tech had failed her, will  resonate with countless others facing similar struggles. Her recent nasty experience has revealed a troubling pattern of incompetence and negligence from ECG and its subcontractors, leaving many Ghanaians powerless—both in terms of access to electricity and recourse when something goes wrong.

ECG MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE

Tricia’s ordeal is not an isolated incident; it’s emblematic of a larger crisis in Ghana’s public utilities. More importantly, her story raises critical questions: how long will Ghanaians be forced to endure such failures? And when will ECG and its partners be held accountable for the essential services they are entrusted to provide? For now, Tricia’s home remains without a working meter and in darkness when her generator is not turned on.  Her story certainly sheds light on the growing need for systemic reform in how the ECG manages and coordinates its subcontractors. They’re not doing a good job as far as Tricia is concerned.

By Kofi Quaye