ECG official charged for extortion

A Meter Inspector of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was on Friday arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly taking bribe from a customer.

Isaac Nartey pleaded not guilty to extortion and was granted 10 million cedis bail to reappear on December 9.

Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Benedicta Akolgo told the court, chaired by Mr Williwise Kyeremeh that Sussie Ashakar, the complainant was the proprietor of Four ACES Restaurant, at Kanda, while the accused person works with North East Office of the ECG.

Police Chief Inspector Akolgo said on October 21, this year, Nartey, who had earlier inspected the complainant's meter observed that her meter had been tampered with.

She said Nartey told the complainant that she would pay four million cedis as penalty for tampering with the meter when it was found out. The prosecution said Nartey further informed the complainant that he (Nartey) would not report the matter to the ECG authorities if the complainant could offer him one million cedis.

She said the complainant, who was not satisfied with the accused person's demands reported the matter to the authorities of ECG.

Police Inspector Akolgo said the management of ECG gave out one million cedis to the complainant to be given to Nartey as an inducement when he returns to her.

She said the serial numbers of the money in 10,000 cedis denomination were written down and in the afternoon of October 22, this year, the accused went to the complainant for the one million cedis, while the police took cover nearby watching the accused person.

The prosecution said immediately the accused took the money, the police arrested him. He (Nartey) admitted the offence and pleaded for forgiveness and was charged after investigations.