By The Engineering Council of Ghana has voiced serious concerns over the arrest of Ing. Michael Wiafe, the General Manager of the Ashanti East Office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Ing. Wiafe was apprehended on April 10, 2024, following his involvement in a decision to disconnect the power supply to Kumasi Technical University due to non-payment. This action was reportedly met with disapproval from the Regional Minister, who subsequently ordered his arrest.
In a statement issued by the council, it emphasized that Ing. Wiafe was simply carrying out his routine responsibilities concerning power distribution and the recovery of payments.
“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.
“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,” part of the statement read.
The Engineering Council has urged for a prompt and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the events surrounding the arrest and to prevent any unjustified interference in the professional responsibilities of engineers in the future.
“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 restraint while appropriate state agencies deal with the matter,” it added.
