Tamale, Ghana – Tensions have escalated in the Tamale Metropolis following a violent assault on staff members of the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) on Wednesday, July 30.
The attack, reportedly carried out by disgruntled youth, is allegedly linked to discontent over recent internal staff reassignments implemented by NEDCo’s management.
Union Condemns Assault and Police Inaction
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the VRA Senior Staff Association issued a statement detailing the assault, claiming several staff members were “beaten to a pulp.” Additionally, three official vehicles were reportedly seized and taken to the palace of the Gukpe Naa.
The union expressed deep alarm over the incident and criticized the Ghana Police Service for failing to make arrests, despite a formal complaint being lodged on the same day.
Ethnic Bias Allegations Fuel Unrest
The unrest is believed to stem from the reassignment of a Director from the Human Resources Department to the Corporate Strategy Department. This internal decision has sparked significant public backlash, particularly after the reassigned Director allegedly petitioned prominent traditional authorities, including the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II.
The Director reportedly claimed his redeployment was a demotion influenced by ethnic bias, further alleging that his role in the employment of over 37 Dagombas led to tensions with the Acting Managing Director.
The NEC has vehemently refuted these claims, labeling them “complete lies and obvious untruths.” The Association emphasized that reassignments are standard operational practice within the organization and should not be politicized or tribalized.
Call for Calm and Justice
The VRA Senior Staff Association is calling for calm in the Tamale Metropolis and urges authorities to swiftly investigate the violent assault on their members. The incident highlights the need for effective communication and dispute resolution mechanisms within organizations, especially when internal decisions are perceived to have wider community implications.
What steps do you think should be taken to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of VRA/NEDCo staff in Tamale?
