Eight Chinese nationals, two Ghanaians arrested over alleged ECG cable theft
Ten people, including eight Chinese nationals in managerial positions at Sentuo Company and two Ghanaians, have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over their alleged involvement in a cable theft and metal export ring linked to stolen cables belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
The suspects were apprehended during a police operation at the Kpone Industrial Area in Tema on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, around 3:30 p.m.
The raid was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Energy after intelligence suggested that stolen ECG cables were being processed at the location.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Director-General of CID, Lydia Yaako Donkor, explained that officers stormed the Sentuo Company facility near Tema based on the intelligence received.
According to her, the team found about 70 workers on the premises allegedly cutting ECG service cables into smaller pieces and stripping the metal from their insulation.
Police said the exposed wires were being compacted into metal blocks, which were suspected to be prepared for export.
“The CID Headquarters Operations Unit, working together with officials from the Ministry of Energy, uncovered a large stockpile of stolen Electricity Company of Ghana service cables and arrested 10 individuals connected to an organised cable theft and metal export operation,” she said.
“During the exercise, more than 100 drums containing service cables believed to belong to the Electricity Company of Ghana were found at the site.”
Authorities noted that the volume and condition of the cables indicate a well-organised and ongoing operation targeting ECG infrastructure.
The two Ghanaian suspects were identified as Samuel Ekpe and Priscilla Padu.
The other suspects, believed to be Chinese nationals holding managerial roles in the company, were named as Yuxiaoting, He Jing, Xu Changjiu, Li Lei, Chen Jin, Zheng Ma, Wang Jian and Bin Bin.
Police said officers have been stationed at the premises around the clock to prevent the removal of any materials while investigations continue.
The Ghana Police Service described the raid as a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat the theft of critical national infrastructure.
It added that the illegal theft and export of ECG cables has severely disrupted electricity supply to homes, businesses and public institutions across the country.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with other state agencies to safeguard national assets and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
About The Author
