The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the people of Manya and Yilo traditional areas have come to a compromise on how to handle the power crisis going on in the Krobo enclave. As a result, ECG patrol teams would be accompanied by security appointed by traditional authorities to assess the company’s service lines in the operational areas.
This was the outcome of a crunch meeting held at the ECG Head Office with a delegation which was dispatched by the Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sakite II, who is also President of the Eastern Region House of Chiefs.
The high powered delegation comprised of Chiefs from Manya and Yilo Krobo Traditional Councils, Presiding Members of Manya and Yilo Municipal Assemblies, Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo, Albert Nyakotey.
Leaders of two non-governmental organisations, Kloma Hemgme and Kloma Gbi also accompanied the delegation.
A highly placed ECG source, who confirmed the outcome of the meeting to The Chronicle, stated that a working document would be processed as soon as practicable to enable the gentleman agreement to come into force.
According to the source, the duration of the security/technical patrols which begins today (Thursday), would depend on the state in which the service lines are found since the system went off on Monday, after which power would be restored.
Issues surrounding the 2014-2017 ring-fenced bills, 2018-2021 arrears and the installations of the prepaid meters were also discussed extensively, the source opined.
In a related development, a non-governmental organisation, Manya Klo Foundation has appealed to both ECG and the citizens of Manya/Yilo Krobo to bury their hatchet, sit down and resolve their differences.
The President of the foundation, Dr Edward Atteh Narh, who made the appeal through The Chronicle says it is better to meet at round table to discuss issues than to fight.
That taking an intransigent position will lead to the protraction of the conflict and eventually lead to developmental drawbacks.
Dr Narh further stated that Manya Klo Foundation’s own investigation has not led to any documented evidence that Krobos should be exempted from paying electricity bills after fifty years of the construction of the two hydro-electric dams at Akosombo and Kpong on River Volta.
