Residents of Ketu South in the Volta Region are taking a stand. On September 1, 2026, concerned customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) plan to stage a peaceful demonstration against persistent over-billing, estimated bills, and slow responses to faulty meter complaints. The protest, themed “Enough Is Enough! Stop the Over-Billing Now!”, will begin at the Denu Junction and march to the ECG office in Denu to formally register their grievances.
For many in this border municipality, the issue is not just about monthly bills. It is about survival. Small businesses are collapsing, unemployment is rising, and households are being charged staggering amounts for minimal electricity use. One family with a single bulb reportedly received a bill between GHS 2,000 and GHS 5,000, while others have seen bills climb close to GHS 20,000 within just a few months. Some residents were even billed for electricity while their homes had been disconnected for months.
What are the core complaints against ECG?
The organisers, led by convener Edem Mensah Viglo, are calling for three key actions: bills based strictly on accurate meter readings, immediate adjustments for those wrongly charged, and faster resolution of faulty meters. Viglo told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the demonstration is about “justice, dignity, accountability and the protection of consumer rights.”
“The over-billing had led to the collapse of many personal businesses in the area; it has also contributed to a rise in the unemployment rate within the Municipality, since many cannot afford the high bills by ECG,” Viglo said.
Has the government responded to the over-billing complaints?
Yes. In a welcome move, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, has announced an independent investigation into the complaints. The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission will lead the probe, focusing on communities in the Volta Region, including Keta.
This is a positive step toward transparency and accountability in Ghana’s energy sector. For a country aiming to boost entrepreneurship and attract investment, reliable and fair utility billing is non-negotiable.
What does this mean for business and investment in the region?
Ketu South is a bustling commercial hub near the Togo border. When electricity bills are unpredictable and unfair, local businesses cannot plan, price their goods, or grow. The demonstration is a wake-up call not just for ECG, but for all utility providers: accurate billing is a foundation for economic development.
The organisers have notified security agencies to ensure the protest remains peaceful and orderly. They are urging all concerned citizens, electricity consumers, and residents to join in large numbers.
As Ghana pushes forward with digitalisation and economic reform, this moment offers a chance for ECG to rebuild trust. Fair billing is not a favour; it is a right. And with the government’s investigation underway, there is hope that this protest will lead to real, lasting change.
Photo: GhanaWeb
