Staff of the Volta River Authority/Northern Electricity Distribution Company (VRA/NEDCo) in the Northern Region have suspended all field operations in Tamale following an attack on personnel on Wednesday, July 30.

The decision was formalised through a resolution passed at an emergency staff meeting held in Tamale today, Thursday, 31 July.

According to the statement released today, July 31, by the leadership of the VRA/NEDCo Staff Groups, the withdrawal of services has become necessary due to ongoing threats to the lives and safety of workers.

The most recent incident involved several staff who were reportedly assaulted by a group of youths while driving official vehicles.

The victims were forcibly removed from their cars, beaten with clubs and sticks, and left with serious injuries. Their vehicles were subsequently seized and transported to the Gukpenaa Palace.

"This barbaric act has made both our staff and company property targets of violence," the statement said, adding that the individuals involved in the attack “were almost killed”.

The statement also referenced a disturbing pattern of violent incidents against VRA/NEDCo personnel in Tamale in recent years, including:

1. 2015: Vandalism of the VRA/NEDCo office by youth.

2. 2016: Assault on staff in Lamakara while working with police to address illegal power connections.

3. 2017: Deflation of company vehicle tyres and threats to staff at Dohinayili during a similar operation.

4. 2019: Physical attack on staff at Vittin while disconnecting unauthorised streetlights.

Staff say these repeated attacks have left them traumatised and fearful, especially as the violence has continued despite past incidents being well documented.

"We are baffled as to why staff simply performing their lawful duties should be subjected to such brutality," the statement read.

The group has issued the following demands to management and relevant authorities:

1. That VRA/NEDCo, in collaboration with law enforcement, ensures those responsible for the attack are identified and prosecuted.

2. A full explanation as to why the incident occurred and assurances that such acts will not be tolerated.

3. Immediate retrieval of the seized vehicles from the Gukpenaa Palace.

4. Firm commitments from stakeholders to guarantee the safety of staff and the protection of company property.

While field services have been halted, staff say they will continue to report to the office and carry out administrative duties.

However, they remain resolute in their refusal to return to the field until their safety can be assured.

"Our lives are in danger, and we can no longer risk working under these conditions. We will maintain our stance until further notice," the statement concluded.