The Minister of Energy, Peter Amewu says he supports the protest staged by the residents of Lower Manya Krobo over a massive disconnection exercise undertaken by the Power Distribution Services (PDS) weeks ago.
The protest has led to the death of two persons.
Addressing residents in the area, the Minister expressed outrage over the PDS’ handling of the situation.
“I support the people of Krobo land for demanding their rights because I will not tolerate such nonsense. I have seen the bill is not working and you are giving them money to pay. I have every right to query authorities that are involved.”
While extending his condolence to the bereaved families, the Minister also assured that the issue will be investigated.
“I want to assure the families that we are going to investigate this to the latter. I have already stated that we brought PDS to come and change the system. I asked the District Manager to be here and he did not come. These are the people who are managing our system. Please accept our sincere condolence. We are strongly behind you in this time of your mourning. It is a very difficult moment for you. We are going to support the family.”
Background
PDS last Monday suspended an ongoing disconnection exercise at Kpongunor.
Officials from PDS began a mass disconnection exercise last two weeks from Kpong and Nuaso but were restricted from carrying out the disconnection exercise when they arrived at Kpongunor.
The Odumase Krobo District Police Commander, ASP Harry Selormey, told Citi News that the PDS team has suspended the disconnection exercise in the area until further notice.
“For the past two years, there has been a back and forth with payment of the bills in the Krobo area. Somewhere last week, we had a communication from the PDS through our outfit that they will embark on a massive disconnection of those households that have failed to settle their electricity bills and we are having an emergency meeting to review the security situation in the area.”
The agitated youth reportedly mounted roadblocks and threatened to attack staff of PDS.
Some police officers who were dispatched to the scene had to withdraw subsequently as they were outnumbered by the irate youth.
A similar feud between residents and workers of PDS turned bloody in 2017 when angry residents in Somanya attacked PDS’ office.
Police vehicles were torched and properties destroyed in the violent attack.
Many residents have since refused to pay electricity bills and threatened to attack PDS staff who attempt disconnecting their homes.