Residents of Akyem Maase, a community in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region, have been left in darkness following a power outage caused by the collapse of a high-tension electricity pole on Wednesday.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has reportedly told residents they must bear the cost of replacing the fallen pole—estimated at GH¢13,000.

The demand has sparked widespread outrage among community members, who insist the incident was no fault of theirs and are questioning why they should be held financially responsible for what they say is ECG’s failure to maintain its infrastructure.

“Why must we pay GH¢13,000 for a pole that fell through no negligence of ours?” the residents asked. “It is ECG’s responsibility to ensure its infrastructure is safe and reliable.”

Prominent community member Kofi Asare Botuo is demanding answers from ECG, urging the power distributor to explain what led to the collapse of the pole and why the financial burden is being pushed onto residents.

The community is calling on ECG to urgently reconsider its stance and absorb the cost of the replacement.

They argue that as paying consumers, they deserve uninterrupted service and expect the company to uphold its maintenance obligations.

“We are not the custodians of ECG’s assets,” one resident said.

“If a pole falls, ECG must fix it—it’s that simple.”

As frustration grows, the people of Akyem Maase say they will not relent in their demand for accountability and the immediate restoration of electricity to their community.