Field operations by the Volta River Authority/Northern Electricity Distribution Company (VRA/NEDCo) have come to a halt in Tamale after staff members were violently attacked while returning from duty.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 30, has left workers shaken and raised renewed concerns about the safety of utility personnel in the region.
According to the company in a statement, several staff were ambushed by a group of young men who dragged them out of official vehicles and assaulted them with sticks and clubs.
The company vehicles were later found at the Gukpenaa Palace.
“The Leadership of the VRA/NEDCo Staff Groups wishes to submit this resolution, which was passed at an emergency meeting by staff in the Northern Area in Tamale today, July 31, 2025, for the immediate withdrawal of all services in the Tamale Metropolis and its environs.”
The assault has sparked a collective response from the workforce, who convened an emergency meeting the following day to announce a suspension of all field duties.
This is not the first time NEDCo staff in Tamale have faced violence. Records show a disturbing pattern of aggression dating back to at least 2015, including attacks on personnel during meter checks, assaults during disconnection exercises, and the vandalism of company offices.
“These innocent staff were beaten with clubs and sticks and were almost killed. The vehicles were then seized and parked at the Gukpena Palace. It would be recalled that several of such attacks on staff and property of VRA/NEDCo have occurred within the Tamale Metropolis in the recent past.”
In the wake of the latest incident, workers say they can no longer risk their lives in the field without firm assurances of protection.
While administrative duties will continue, staff insist they will not resume on-site operations unless key demands are met — including the arrest and prosecution of the attackers, the return of seized vehicles, and a clear commitment to ensuring their safety.
As of now, operations remain stalled, and the company is yet to publicly respond to the staff’s ultimatum.
