Hot SourceThe Tamale Metropolis was thrown into power uncertainty on Thursday, July 31, as staff of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), under the Volta River Authority (VRA), resolved to withdraw services indefinitely following a violent attack on their colleagues.
In a statement addressed to the Managing Director of NEDCo, the Senior Staff Association (SSA) and the Divisional Union of the Public Services Workers Union of the TUC, Ghana, announced their decision after an emergency meeting in Tamale. The action comes barely 24 hours after a shocking incident on July 30, when some VRA/NEDCo staff were assaulted by youth in Tamale while driving official company vehicles.
The attackers, wielding clubs and sticks reportedly dragged the staff from their vehicles and beat them mercilessly. The vehicles were later seized and taken to the Gukpena Palace, heightening tensions in the city.
“These innocent staff were beaten with clubs and sticks and were almost killed,” the resolution read. “The life of VRA/NEDCo staff and properties of the company have become the target of the youth who carried out this barbaric act.”
According to the union leaders, William K. Asare (Chairman, SSA-NEDCo) and Fuseini Adjei (VRA Divisional Union Chairman), this is not the first time VRA/NEDCo staff have been targeted. The resolution cited a string of past attacks—including incidents in Lamakara (2016), Dohinayilli (2017), and Vittin (2019)—where personnel on lawful duties were assaulted, even in the presence of police officers.
“This cycle of violence and impunity has gone on for too long. Our staff are now traumatised and fear for their lives. We cannot continue working under these conditions,” the union leaders lamented.
As part of their resolution, the staff are demanding:
- The immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
- A full explanation from authorities on the motive behind the unprovoked assault.
- A firm commitment from law enforcement and stakeholders to guarantee the safety of staff and company property.
- Immediate retrieval of the seized NEDCo vehicles from the Gukpena Palace.
Although the staff will continue reporting to their offices and carrying out internal duties, all field operations in Tamale and its environs have been suspended until further notice.
The withdrawal of services is expected to impact electricity distribution and technical services in the region, particularly if the standoff is prolonged.
Stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, traditional authorities, and regional security councils, are being called upon to intervene swiftly to de-escalate tensions and prevent further disruptions.
Read the attached press statement in full below:
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