Vodafone Ghana has called for increased collaboration amongst stakeholders in the Telecommunication industry and the different arms the country’s state security apparatus to curb the cable theft menace in Ghana.
This follows the recent arrest and incarceration of William Ntow, to a 7-year prison sentence by the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court for cable theft.
Ntow was arrested near Sakora Park, a suburb of Akosombo by the town’s District Police, after Vodafone Ghana lodged a complaint about frequent cable cuts. The thefts had been causing disruptions to the company’s services for the past few weeks. The culprit was arrested with a 200-pair size cable valued at GH₵552,500.00 and measuring 1,400 meters.
In an interview with the Corporate Security Manager at Vodafone Ghana, John Animah, he mentioned that if unchecked the impact of cable thefts on the customer experience could be dire.
“It is imperative that as an industry under the umbrella of the Telecoms Chamber, all stakeholders work collaboratively with the law enforcement agencies to tackle this menace of cable theft and mitigate its impact on the services and customers of industry players”.
Mr. Animah meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the Akosombo District Police for its swift action in apprehending the suspect.
“Cable theft has been a persistent issue for our company, and this arrest sends a strong warning to would-be thieves that such criminal activities will not be tolerated,” he added.
Vodafone Ghana in a release, stated that the conviction comes as a relief. It added that it had been grappling with the ongoing issue of cable theft and its impact on services. The company said the arrest and conviction of William Ntow are significant steps forward in deterring potential criminals and addressing the issue.
On her part the Legal and External Affairs Director at Vodafone Ghana, Preba Greenstreet, said “the conviction of William Ntow serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in cable theft. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a victimless crime. It disrupts vital communication services and affects businesses and individuals alike.”
She also stated that Vodafone will continue its collaboration with law enforcement and other relevant stakeholders to combat the problem of cable thefts and protect its critical infrastructure.
The release further added that, the cable theft issue has far-reaching consequences, as it leads to service disruptions which can cause significant financial losses for businesses and create inconveniences for individuals who rely on stable telecommunications services for work, education, and daily life.
It said “as Vodafone Ghana continues to invest in and expand its infrastructure across the country, ensuring the security and integrity of its networks is a top priority. The company has implemented various measures, including enhanced surveillance and security systems, to protect its assets and ensure reliable services for its customers”.
“This recent conviction highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among all stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure and ensure a stable, secure, and connected future for all Ghanaians,” the release added.
Source: Chamber News Desk
