Meter reader fined GHȼ18,000 for duping property owners

The Nsuta Circuit Court has fined an electricity meter reader GHȼ18,000 for swindling 10 property owners under the pretext of assisting to supply power to their property.

Ibrahim Alhassan Gawsu, was additionally ordered to refund the monies collected from the victims and to pay compensation of GHȼ4,000 to the Northern Electrification Distribution Company (NEDCo), a subsidiary of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

He would in default serve 10 years in jail.

The court, presided over by Ms. Lydia Osei Marfo, gave the punishment after he pleaded guilty to defrauding by false pretence.

Police Chief Inspector Daniel Gbedzinu said the convict had been contracted by the company two years ago to take electricity meter readings in houses in the Ejura Municipality of the Western Region for calculation of monthly bills.

Between 2016 and last year, he convinced 10 property owners that he could help supply power to their property and succeeded in collecting from them cash totalling GHȼ4,165.84.

The convict, however, failed to deliver on his word and the matter was brought to the notice of the company.

When confronted by the Municipal NEDCo Officer, he confessed to taking the money and he was subsequently handed over to the police.