Police, ECG Pledge Action As Crime And Meter Thefts Rise In Manhean

January 5, 2026

A joint delegation of senior officers from the Ghana Police Service and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has assured residents of Manhean and surrounding communities of urgent measures to address rising crime, electricity meter thefts, and illegal activities linked to drug use.

The high-level engagement followed growing public concern over frequent electricity meter thefts, shop break-ins, and the proliferation of illicit drug dens, commonly referred to by residents as “weed ghettos,” within Manhean and nearby settlements under the in the Greater Accra Region.

The assurance was given by the Amasaman Divisional Police Commander, , during a crucial community meeting held at the Manhean Lorry Station on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The meeting was convened after a series of media reports highlighted the growing insecurity and electricity-related crimes in the area.

High-powered delegation engages residents

The delegation was led by the Greater Accra Regional Crime Officer, , and included several senior police officers from the Amasaman Division. Among them were the District Commander 2i/c for Amasaman, , District Crime Officer , Divisional Crime Officer , and the Nsakina Station Officer, .

Representing ECG from its Ablekuma District office were the District Manager, , District Technical Advisor , and .

The meeting attracted a broad cross-section of the community, including the Assembly Member for the Manhean Electoral Area, , members of the Manhean Council of Elders, Unit Committee members, and residents from neighbouring communities such as Gyankpo, Numo Tsen, TiGO Pole, and Mallam Isaah.

Police promise swift action

After listening to testimonies from residents and victims of crime, Chief Superintendent Peter Adjei assured the gathering that the police would take decisive steps to restore safety and order in the area. He emphasised that intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with residents would be key to addressing the crime wave.

He called on the Assembly Member and the Council of Elders to spearhead the formation of a Neighbourhood Watch Committee in Manhean, noting that the police would provide operational support and guidance. He advised that individuals of proven integrity and good character be selected to serve on the committee.

Chief Supt. Adjei further urged residents to volunteer credible and timely information on suspicious activities and individuals, stressing that community cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in crime prevention.

Concern over drug dens and repeat offenders

A major issue raised by residents was the increasing number of “weed ghettos” in the area, which they described as breeding grounds for theft, violence, and other criminal activities. Community members also expressed frustration over the perceived quick release of suspects after arrests, which they believe emboldens criminals.

Acknowledging the concern, Chief Supt. Adjei admitted that drug-related crime poses a complex challenge but pledged that the police would develop a targeted strategy to dismantle the drug dens and address repeat offending.

He also appealed to residents to report crimes promptly, explaining that delays often lead to the loss or contamination of vital evidence. Additionally, he encouraged the Council of Elders to help mediate chieftaincy and land disputes, which he noted often fuel tension and insecurity in communities.

ECG warns against illegal meters

Addressing the electricity-related challenges, ECG Ablekuma District Manager Benedicta Opoku-Mensah cautioned residents against acquiring electricity meters through illegal middlemen, popularly known as “goro boys.” She stressed that the only legitimate way to obtain a meter is through the official ECG application process.

“When you need a meter, come directly to the ECG office to begin the process,” she advised, explaining that contractors are engaged only after formal approval has been granted by the company.

She further identified illegal connections and power theft as major contributors to frequent low voltage and power fluctuations in the area. While appealing for patience during outages, she emphasised that electricity theft undermines service delivery and puts public safety at risk.

Although she acknowledged that there have been instances of misconduct by some subcontractor staff, she urged residents to channel all complaints through the official ECG office to ensure proper investigation and redress.

Assembly Member welcomes collaboration

In his remarks, Assembly Member Daniel Aryee Aryeetey expressed gratitude to the police and ECG leadership for responding promptly to the concerns of the Manhean community. He commended the seriousness with which the authorities addressed the issues raised and described the meeting as a positive step toward restoring confidence.

He assured the delegation of his full cooperation and pledged to work closely with community leaders, security agencies, and ECG officials to ensure that the agreed measures are effectively implemented.

The meeting ended with a collective call for sustained collaboration between authorities and residents, reinforcing the view that lasting solutions to crime and electricity fraud in Manhean will depend on a strong partnership between the community and state institutions.