A longstanding electrical hazard turned tragic on Monday, June 2, 2025, when a high-tension power cable snapped and fell, critically injuring three school pupils near the Kasoa Ofaakor Sports Stadium in the Awutu Senya East Municipality.
The children, who had just closed from school, were walking along the Ofankor-Jei River road when the faulty cable suddenly detached, reportedly emitting sparks before falling directly on them.
Eyewitnesses say two of the children were rendered unconscious, while the third suffered severe burns.
The victims were quickly rushed to St. Joe’s Clinic and the Kasoa Polyclinic, where they are currently receiving emergency care. Their conditions are described as critical.
Residents Sounded the Alarm for Months
Outraged residents say this tragedy was entirely preventable. According to multiple witnesses, the high-voltage line had been sparking intermittently for months, with several complaints made to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) — but to no avail.
“We’ve reported this issue several times. It would spark during the night, and we feared something bad would happen. Now, innocent children are paying the price,” said a visibly distressed resident.
Some locals added that the cable had sagged dangerously low in recent weeks, raising fears that it would fall.
Yet no official response or maintenance action was taken by ECG, despite repeated appeals.
Parents Devastated, Community in Shock
Esther Krampah, mother of one of the injured children, expressed her grief and frustration, calling for accountability.
“I am completely devastated. My child went to school and returned in this condition — because someone failed to do their job,” she told Nyansaponews through tears.
The entire Ofaakor community remains in shock, with parents calling for an urgent audit of all electrical installations near schools and public paths to prevent further disasters.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The incident has sparked widespread anger and calls for:
-
An immediate investigation into the ECG’s handling of prior complaints.
-
Medical support for the affected children and their families.
-
A comprehensive inspection of all faulty or aging power lines in the area.
-
Prosecution of officials, if negligence is confirmed.
Human rights and child protection advocates are also urging the Energy Commission and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to step in and assess ECG’s response failures in this case.
A Preventable Tragedy
This incident raises serious questions about infrastructure maintenance and institutional accountability in Ghana’s power sector. With children now severely injured due to reported inaction, the spotlight is once again on ECG and its safety protocols — or lack thereof.
About The Author
