Three Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Power Cables From Volta Region School Construction Site
Three men have been arrested by police in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region for allegedly stealing electrical power cables from a school construction site, an incident that has reignited concerns about the persistent theft of materials from government infrastructure projects across the country.
The suspects — Edem Dzanado, 36, George Shitor, 25, and Steven Dzameshi, 19 — were detained after allegedly cutting and removing power cables that had been installed at the construction site of a three-unit classroom block at Wodome Basic School. The cables were reportedly stolen on June 11, 2026.
Their arrest came swiftly, the following day, through the coordinated efforts of Unit Committee members and local residents who mobilised to identify and apprehend the suspects before handing them over to the Akatsi South Police Command for further investigation.
Daniel Amuzu Kale, the Assembly Member for the area, praised the community’s response, describing it as a model of civic responsibility. He cautioned individuals involved in the theft and vandalism of materials at government project sites across the municipality, warning that enhanced surveillance measures had been implemented to detect and apprehend offenders.
“The increasing cases of theft at development project sites pose a threat to the timely completion of projects and deprive communities of much-needed infrastructure,” Mr Kale told the Ghana News Agency.
The incident underscores a persistent challenge facing Ghana’s public infrastructure development. Across the country, construction projects — particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas — have been plagued by the theft of materials ranging from electrical cables and iron rods to roofing sheets and cement. The economic cost extends well beyond the value of the stolen goods; delays caused by such theft often inflate project budgets and push back completion timelines, leaving communities without essential facilities for longer periods.
Daniel Dagba, the Akatsi South Municipal Chief Executive, expressed deep concern over the trend and pledged that the Assembly would work closely with security agencies to ensure perpetrators face the full consequences of the law.
“Anyone found guilty of such offences would face the full rigours of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” Mr Dagba stated, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around public facilities and project sites.
The three suspects are expected to appear before court on June 18, 2026.
The case serves as a reminder that safeguarding public infrastructure requires not only law enforcement but also active community participation. The swift action by residents of Wodome in identifying and apprehending the suspects offers a template for other communities grappling with similar challenges.
As Ghana continues to invest heavily in educational infrastructure to meet growing demand, the protection of construction sites from criminal activity remains a critical concern — one that demands both institutional vigilance and grassroots engagement.
Image Source: GHANA BUSINESS NEWS
