Tamale Assembly urges halt to power cuts amid rising tensions

The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) has called on the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to immediately suspend their ongoing mass disconnection exercise, which has triggered growing tension and widespread public concern across the metropolis.

In a press release issued on Sunday, July 6, the Assembly described the disconnection campaign as a “widely condemned” operation.

It said the exercise, intended to clamp down on illegal power connections and electricity theft, has instead stirred public anger and anxiety.

The statement comes amid allegations from some residents that NEDCo personnel are carrying out disconnections during the late hours of 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. a move many describe as an invasion of privacy and a breach of trust.

Warning of possible unrest, the Assembly noted that the current enforcement methods risk further inflaming tensions.

Tamale Mayor, Adam Abubakar Takoro, is said to be engaging NEDCo and VRA officials to explore alternative approaches that uphold the law without provoking public disorder.

Meanwhile, the Assembly has appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that efforts are underway to resolve the matter through dialogue and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.