Assembly Member electrocuted while fixing streetlights ahead of Bawumia’s visit

George Agyei Frimpong, Assembly Member for Ogua Electoral Area in New Juaben South, Eastern Region, has been electrocuted while assisting with streetlight installations.

His body has been deposited at the mortuary of the Eastern Regional Hospital.

The streetlights, provided by the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly, were being set up in anticipation of a political event featuring Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, who was scheduled to join a political campaign walk organized by New Juaben South MP, Michael Okyere Baafi, on Sunday.

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, when Mr. Frimpong, while repositioning a metallic ladder, accidentally came into contact with high-voltage cables.

He was rushed to the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The sister of the deceased Assembly Member, Nana Tiwaa Frimpong, told Starr News, “He went to fix streetlights because they said Bawumia will come the next day. I was in the market when I heard that my brother had been electrocuted. I didn’t believe it till we went to the hospital and people also started coming to the house.”

Mourners, including Reverend Justice Assumeng, Ascension Presby District Minister of the Presbyterian Church where the Assembly Member worshipped, gathered at his family home on Monday to pay their respects.

Mr. George Agyei Frimpong is survived by his wife and five children.

A visit to the scene of the incident at Winners Chapel area saw friends of the deceased gather to discuss what might have led to the incident.

This tragic incident raises concerns about the politicization of streetlights and the safety protocols in place for streetlight installations, especially when managed by non-specialized individuals.

While the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) mandate the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) or any other institution responsible for road infrastructure to provide and maintain streetlights, the Local Government (Departments of District Assemblies) Instrument, 2009 (L.I. 1961) mandates the assemblies to maintain the streetlights.

Experts have called for a merger of these management roles to ensure effective maintenance of streetlights.