NEC condemns assault on VRA/NEDCo staff, demands swift action

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the VRA Senior Staff Association has strongly condemned the violent assault on staff of the Volta River Authority/Northern Electricity Distribution Company (VRA/NEDCo) in Tamale, following recent directorate reassignments.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, several staff were said to have been physically assaulted and official company vehicles were seized by some youth in Tamale. The vehicles were reportedly taken to the Gukpe Naa’s Palace.

Despite a formal complaint, no arrests have been made, raising concerns over law enforcement’s response.

The attacks are believed to be linked to opposition from some local groups to the reassignment of a Director of Human Resources at NEDCo.

According to the association, the said director allegedly petitioned traditional leaders, including the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, claiming his transfer was a demotion and an attack on local employment interests.

The association noted with concern that only the letter reassigning the HR Director has been publicly circulated and discussed on local platforms, including Zaa TV and social media, further fuelling tensions.

In a statement, the NEC emphasised that reassignments are standard practice within the organisation and are done “in line with the strategic objectives of the company.”

NEC added that several directors and managers have been reassigned in the past without controversy.

“It is worrying that this particular reassignment is being misinterpreted as tribal exclusion and personal vendetta. This is bad for the corporate image of VRA/NEDCo,” the statement read.

Reports suggest some traditional leaders have called on NEDCo's Acting MD to reverse the reassignments. However, the association warned that such interference would “undermine the authority of management and make NEDCo ungovernable.”

The staff union is demanding swift action from law enforcement, including the retrieval of the three seized vehicles and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

“We are appalled at these barbaric actions and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice,” the NEC said.

In solidarity, VRA/NEDCo staff in Tamale have resolved to withdraw all services within the metropolis until their safety can be guaranteed.