GH¢8.5m lost every month in Tamale due to illegal power connection – NEDCo

Workers of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company NEDCo and the Volta River Authority (VRA) in Tamale have partially restored their services following attacks on it’s offices by some residents.

The staff of NEDCO totally withdrew their services over concerns of safety, leaving most of the metropolis without electricity for days.  withdrawn their services over safety concerns following an attack on its offices by some residents last Saturday.

William Asare says, the attack has heightened their fears of staff, indicating that the police are mostly chased from the communities, a situation which has emboldened the residents to engage in the illegality

William Asare says they cannot risk their lives working in the area until there is an intervention by the energy ministry and regional police command to ensure the protection of the staff.

Speaking in an interview with Alfred Ocansey host of the sunrise morning show on 3fm 92.7 Wednesday October 6, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, William  Asare indicated that, out of every household of ten, eight have connected electricity illegally.

Forty five percent of power is lost to illegal connection every month, leading to the loss of some GHS8.5million every month, William Asare added.

“We go there to disconnect, and the next day they reconnect through illegal means again. The police are mostly with us but the youth chase them out and beat them up as well. There are opinion leaders in these communities who have decided not to talk. We are watching on while the nation loses GHS8.5m every month.

“Some of our staff have developed spinal problems due to these attacks by the residents” he revealed.

The residents threatened to kidnap staff of NEDCo if any of the people who have connected electricity illegally get arrested.

Asked if the Ghana police service has acted on the threats issued against the staff, William Asare revealed that nothing has been done so far.

“They even threatened to kidnap staff of NEDCO if any of them is arrested for illegal connection. It’s in a voice note that was circulated widely. The police is yet to make any arrest as far as we know,” he said.

NEDCO supplies electricity to Sunyani, Bolgatanga, Wa, Tamale and it’s environs.