Staff of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) have suspended all field operations in Tamale and surrounding areas following an alleged assault on personnel and the seizure of official vehicles by some youth in the metropolis.
The incident, which occurred on the evening of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, reportedly involved the violent removal of staff from their company vehicles and physical attacks using clubs and sticks.
At least three vehicles belonging to the company were seized and later found parked at the Gulkpe Naa’s Palace in Tamale.
In a joint resolution signed by William K. Asare, Chairman of the NEDCo Senior Staff Association, and Fuseini Adjei, Chairman of the VRA Divisional Union, the workers condemned the attack and declared a halt to all field services. The resolution was issued after an emergency meeting held the following day.
The staff cited a long-standing pattern of hostility and insecurity in the region, recalling similar violent incidents against personnel in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019.
According to sources within the company, the latest attack narrowly avoided fatalities as staff escaped with injuries.
Behind the unrest, sources allege a breakdown in relations between NEDCo leadership and traditional authorities in the Dagbon area. Tensions reportedly escalated over an internal staff transfer exercise that the youth claim was carried out in defiance of advice from the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II.
The youth accuse Acting Managing Director of NEDCo, Ing. John Okine Yamoah, of ignoring a prior agreement to halt the transfers and of disrespecting traditional leaders by failing to attend a scheduled meeting with Naa Yab Gulkpe-Naa, an intermediary representing the Ya-Na.
In response to the assault, the staff have issued a list of demands, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, a clear explanation from the authorities, assurances of personal security, and the swift return of the seized vehicles.
Though staff say they will continue to report to their offices, all operational activities in the field remain suspended until their safety can be guaranteed.
“Our members are now working in fear. Until our security is assured, we cannot risk our lives,” the statement from the union leadership emphasized.
