The Engineering Council of Ghana has voiced serious concerns over the recent arrest of Mr Michael Wiafe, the General Manager of the Ashanti East Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The engineer was apprehended on April 10, 2024, following his supervision of a power disconnection operation at Kumasi Technical University due to non-payment.

This action contravened the wishes of Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, prompting his call for Mr Wiafe's arrest.

In a statement issued by the council, it underscored that Mr Wiafe was simply fulfilling his routine responsibilities concerning power distribution and payment recovery.

The council expressed distress over the ordeal faced by an engineering practitioner executing his customary duties.

Such a situation, the statement noted, not only discourages other engineering professionals but also has the potential to disrupt the work of professionals in various organisations.

Calling for an immediate and thorough investigation, the Engineering Council seeks to comprehend the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prevent any future unwarranted interference in engineers' professional duties.

“The Engineering Council is troubled by the fact that an engineering practitioner, who was carrying out his regular duties of ensuring power distribution and recovery of payments, has to face such a harrowing experience”, the statement said.

It added: “Such a development not only serves as a disincentive to other engineering practitioners but could, potentially, interfere with the work of other professionals in their respective organisations.”

“The Engineering Council is calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. It is necessary to take all the required steps to prevent any similar unwarranted interference in the diligent discharge of duty by professionals”.

“The council is urging all engineering practitioners across the country to exercise restraint while appropriate state agencies deal with the matter,” it added.