By: Murtala Issah
The staff of the Volta River Authority/Northern Electricity Distribution Company (VRA/NEDCo) in the Northern Area have resolved to immediately withdraw all services within the Tamale Metropolis and surrounding communities. The decision comes in response to a violent attack on company personnel on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
According to a resolution passed at an emergency meeting held today, July 31, 2025 in Tamale, the assault, targeted staff members driving official VRA/NEDCo vehicles, who were forcibly removed from their cars and physically attacked by a group of youth.
This latest attack has reignited tensions between VRA/NEDCo and sections of the Tamale public — a relationship that has long been strained.
This is not the first time VRA/NEDCo staff have come under threat in the metropolis. Previous incidents of violence and confrontation have been recorded in communities such as Dognayili, Vittin, and Lamakara, where staff have faced similar hostility while carrying out their duties.
The recurring nature of these attacks has deepened concerns among electricity workers about their safety in the line of duty. While frustrations over electricity billing, disconnections, and service delivery have been cited as contributing factors, staff say violent reprisals are not a justifiable response.
With immediate effect, VRA/NEDCo staff have withdrawn operations from Tamale and its environs, a move expected to cause widespread disruptions in power services, customer support, and field operations.
No arrests have been made in connection with Tuesday’s incident, and the identities of the attackers remain unknown. The company is reportedly engaging with regional security and government officials to address the deteriorating situation.
The staff leadership is demanding concrete security assurances before any consideration is given to resuming services. They are also calling for a strong public condemnation of the attacks and swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
