Tamale Youth Attack VRA, NEDCo Staff Over Reassignment Dispute

An internal staff reshuffle at the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has erupted into violence in Tamale, leaving several employees injured and raising concerns over growing ethnic tensions.

On Wednesday, July 30, angry youth reportedly stormed a team from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and NEDCo during an official duty, subjecting several staff to brutal beatings. According to the VRA Senior Staff Association, three official vehicles were also seized and transported to the palace of the Gukpe Naa.

The cause of the unrest has been linked to the recent reassignment of a Director from NEDCo’s Human Resources Department to its Corporate Strategy Department. Though standard in corporate circles, the decision has stirred heated emotions among some residents.

Fueling the chaos, the reassigned Director allegedly petitioned traditional leaders, including Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, claiming the move was an ethnically motivated demotion. He further alleged that his facilitation of jobs for over 37 Dagombas had created tension with NEDCo’s Acting Managing Director.

But the National Executive Council (NEC) of the VRA Senior Staff Association has refuted these claims, describing them as “complete lies and obvious untruths.” The union emphasized that such internal reshuffles are routine and should not be misconstrued as discriminatory or political.

“Reassignments are part of organisational dynamics. It’s unfortunate to see such decisions being tribalised,” the NEC stated.

Critics have also turned their focus to the Ghana Police Service, accusing them of inaction despite a formal complaint being lodged on the same day of the attack. So far, no arrests have been made.

With tensions still simmering, observers warn that politicising internal administrative matters could threaten peaceful co-existence and the smooth delivery of essential public services in the region.