Tensions are running high in the Tamale Metropolis following a violent assault on some staff 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, was allegedly motivated by discontent over recent internal staff reassignments implemented by NEDCo’s management.

In a statement issued by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the VRA Senior Staff Association, several staff members were said to have been “beaten to a pulp”, while three official vehicles were forcibly taken to the palace of the Gukpe Naa.

The union described the assault as deeply alarming and criticised the Ghana Police Service for failing to make any arrests, despite a formal complaint being lodged on the same day.

The unrest is believed to stem from the reassignment of a Director from the Human Resources Department to the Corporate Strategy Department—an internal decision which has sparked public backlash.

The reassigned Director reportedly petitioned key traditional authorities, including the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, claiming his redeployment was a demotion influenced by ethnic bias.

He is further alleged to have claimed that his role in the employment of over 37 Dagombas had led to tensions with the Acting Managing Director.

The NEC has vehemently dismissed these claims, labelling them “complete lies and obvious untruths”.

The Association stressed that reassignments are standard practice within the organisation and should not be politicised or tribalised.