In a recent development, a 20-year-old Nigerian national, Abdul Abubakari Sadiq, has been convicted by the Weija Circuit Court for the theft of a water meter belonging to Ghana Water Limited. The accused, charged with intentionally and unlawfully causing damage to the meter, pleaded guilty to the offense.
Presided over by Mr. James Kojo Botah, the Court convicted Mr. Abubakari Sadiq based on his plea on 27th February 2024. As a result of the conviction, he has been sentenced to pay a fine of GHȼ2,400.00 or face a six-month imprisonment.
The arrest and subsequent conviction of Mr. Sadiq were facilitated by the Management of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Accra West Region. Furthermore, Mr. Sadiq is expected to appear in court on April 11, 2024, in relation to the charge of stealing.
The incident leading to Mr. Sadiq's arrest occurred on February 23, 2024, when he was apprehended by a resident of Kasoa Amanfrom Toptown with a water meter and a standpipe tap in his possession. It was reported that Mr. Sadiq, who had been observed strolling in the area with a scrap dealer’s truck, entered a compound and vandalized the meter, unaware that there were occupants in the house. Subsequently, he was arrested and taken to the Amanfrom Police Station.
This is not an isolated case, as in September 2023, another Nigerian national, Mr. Marvin Godwin, was also arrested in Kasoa Nyanyano for meter theft and subsequently convicted at the Ofaakor Circuit Court, where he is currently serving his sentence.
In response to these incidents, Ghana Water Limited released a statement highlighting meter theft as a significant challenge faced in its operations, particularly in the Kasoa/Nyanyano area of the Accra West Region. The company emphasized that such criminal activities hinder its efforts to achieve a 100 per cent metering ratio nationwide and often result in billing customers based on estimates, leading to disputes between the company and its clientele.
The statement further underscored GWL’s commitment to addressing meter theft by ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and receive appropriate punishment. Additionally, the public was urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to meter theft to the authorities.
As this issue continues to impact the operations of Ghana Water Limited and disrupts the provision of essential services to the public, it is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in combating this unlawful behavior.
In conclusion, the conviction of Abdul Abubakari Sadiq serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions associated with meter theft, and it underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard public utilities for the benefit of all citizens.
