The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has warned of potential power supply disruptions in Tamale and surrounding areas following the withdrawal of services by staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
This development stems from a joint resolution by the leadership of the VRA/NEDCo Senior Staff Association and the Division Union after an emergency meeting held on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The action was prompted by violent attacks on several staff members the previous day, July 30.
According to reports, workers driving official vehicles were stopped, dragged out, assaulted with clubs and sticks, and had their vehicles seized and taken to the Gukpena Palace.
Describing the attack as “barbaric,” the staff unions cited a history of violent incidents against VRA/NEDCo personnel in the area. Previous cases mentioned include attacks at Lamakara in 2016, Dohinayilli in 2017, Vittin in 2019, and vandalism of company offices in 2015.
In response, the Ministry has appealed for calm and pledged swift action to resolve the situation. Richmond Rockson, Head of Communications at the Ministry, speaking on behalf of the sector minister, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
“The Ministry has taken notice of these reports. Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, is currently on short leave. In his absence, the Minister of Finance is overseeing the Ministry’s operations and will be briefed on this matter.
“Hon. Jinapor resumes on Monday, August 4, and will take immediate steps to address and resolve the impasse,” Mr. Rockson said.
He warned that the service withdrawal could affect electricity delivery and urged residents to support utility workers.
“On behalf of my Minister, I urge residents of Tamale and surrounding communities to cooperate with VRA/NEDCo staff as they go about their duties. Any further hostilities will only deepen the crisis and risk prolonged power disruptions,” he added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of utility staff while working to restore full services as quickly as possible.
Read also
VRA/NEDCo staff withdraw field services in Tamale over attacks