The New Juaben South Municipal Assembly has revealed that it has spent a staggering GH¢255,000 replacing stolen streetlight cables across the municipality, highlighting the growing financial burden that infrastructure vandalism is placing on local authorities.
According to Assembly officials, persistent theft of electrical cables has repeatedly disrupted street lighting in several communities, forcing the Assembly to divert substantial resources toward restoration works that could have been used for other development projects.
The situation has become even more challenging as the Assembly now requires an additional GH¢40,000 to repair malfunctioning traffic lights, raising concerns about road safety and the increasing cost of maintaining public infrastructure.
Officials warned that the continued destruction and theft of public property not only drains public funds but also poses serious risks to motorists, pedestrians, and residents who depend on properly functioning streetlights and traffic signals.
The Assembly is therefore calling on residents, community leaders, and security agencies to help protect public assets and report acts of vandalism. Authorities believe that stronger community vigilance will be critical in curbing the theft of cables and other infrastructure components.
The revelation has sparked concerns among residents, many of whom argue that the recurring thefts are costing taxpayers millions while affecting essential services. Others have urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible.
With hundreds of thousands of cedis already spent on replacing stolen cables and more funds needed for urgent repairs, the Assembly faces mounting pressure to safeguard public infrastructure while ensuring that limited resources are used effectively for development.
The latest figures underscore the growing challenge of infrastructure vandalism in many parts of Ghana, where local authorities continue to grapple with the financial consequences of theft and damage to public facilities.
