The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, revealed that half of the total power losses reported by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) originate from the northern sector, with a staggering 70% of these losses coming from Tamale alone. This alarming figure was shared during Mr. Jinapor’s working visit to the region, where he attributed the majority of the power losses to illegal connections.
Illegal connections in Tamale have become a significant issue, with some households bypassing the legal grid connection process. For example, a transformer designed to serve only ten households is now serving up to thirty due to these illegal connections. As a result, the system becomes overloaded, leading to frequent power trips and ultimately contributing to an unreliable electricity supply. The Energy Minister emphasized the negative impact these illegal connections have on the system and the residents, urging law-abiding citizens to support NEDCo’s efforts to curb power theft.
Mr. Jinapor called on the public to cooperate with NEDCo during the upcoming disconnection exercise. He assured the residents that the operation would be carried out professionally, with safety as a priority. The Minister also warned about the dangers posed by unqualified individuals who attempt to illegally connect homes, as this could result in electrical fires or property damage.
To aid NEDCo’s revenue recovery efforts, the Minister suggested introducing flexible payment plans for customers with outstanding debts. Some individuals reportedly owe between GH₵ 20,000 to GH₵ 30,000, and a payment plan would allow them to gradually pay off their debts as they purchase electricity. This initiative, he argued, would help improve the financial health of NEDCo while easing the burden on customers.
In addition, Mr. Jinapor assured NEDCo staff that their safety would be ensured during the disconnection exercise, with strong security support from the Ghana Police Service. The Minister revealed that he had engaged with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and well-supported operation.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the region’s power supply, Mr. Jinapor also mentioned the completion of new substations expected by June, which will help stabilize the electricity system and enhance service delivery in the area.
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