Tamale, Northern Region — July 5, 2025
The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has called for the immediate suspension of the ongoing mass disconnection exercise being carried out by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Volta River Authority (VRA), citing rising public tension and the potential for social unrest.
In a press release issued on Saturday and signed by the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Amadu Mustapha Zakari, the Assembly said it had received numerous concerns from residents over what it described as the “widely condemned” disconnection exercise. The operation, currently underway across various parts of the metropolis, is reportedly targeting illegal electricity connections and power theft.
“The attention of Management of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly has been drawn to viral news in the media space… about an ongoing but widely condemned VRA/NEDCo engineered mass disconnection exercise,” the statement read. “Management has accordingly expressed the urgent need to create a platform for engagement with NEDCo/VRA so they could consider streamlining their operation.”
The Assembly warned that the aggressive nature of the disconnection drive, without adequate community engagement or public education, could heighten already fragile tensions in Tamale and its surrounding communities. Authorities emphasized that the timing of the exercise is particularly concerning, coming in the wake of the ban on this year’s Bugum (Fire) Festival—a decision made to avoid potential clashes and maintain public order.
As part of measures to prevent escalation, the Tamale Metro Assembly has also ordered the temporary closure of all drinking spots in the metropolis for today, July 5. The directive is aimed at forestalling any confrontations, particularly among irate youth groups in affected communities.
“The Assembly is taking proactive steps to maintain peace and calm. We are currently in talks with NEDCo/VRA to consider suspending the operation temporarily,” the statement noted.
Background and Public Reaction
NEDCo/VRA’s disconnection exercises have in recent years been part of an intensified drive to recover losses from non-paying customers and to crack down on illegal connections. However, this latest operation has drawn sharp criticism, with some residents accusing the utility providers of indiscriminately disconnecting entire neighborhoods, including households with valid payments.
Social media has been awash with videos and posts lamenting the alleged heavy-handedness of NEDCo staff, with some residents threatening protests if the situation is not addressed promptly.
The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly stressed that while it does not condone power theft, it believes the approach to addressing such challenges must be sensitive and coordinated to avoid inflaming local tensions.
Assembly Urges Calm
The Assembly is urging residents to remain calm as it engages relevant stakeholders to find an amicable solution to the situation.
“For further information, the public is encouraged to contact the Public Relations Unit of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly via 0244 976 544,” the statement concluded.
Source: Tamale Metropolitan Assembly
Contact: PR Unit – 0244 976 544
Website: www.tamalemetro.gov.gh
Signed: Amadu Mustapha Zakari, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tamale Metropolitan Assembly
