Energy Minister warns of possible blackout in Northern Region over widespread power theft

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has raised serious concerns about the escalating rate of power theft in the Northern Region, particularly within the Greater Tamale Metropolis.

According to the Minister, over 50 percent of the country’s power theft cases are recorded in the Northern Region, with more than 70 percent of residents in the Greater Tamale Metropolis reportedly engaging in illegal electricity connections. This, he said, has resulted in millions of cedis in revenue losses for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

The Minister visited the region to engage stakeholders, including traditional authorities, on strategies to tackle illegal electricity connections.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting some ongoing energy projects in the metropolis, Mr. Jinapor warned that if the growing incidence of illegal connections and non-payment of electricity bills is not addressed urgently, the region may face a power blackout.

“One of the major problems we’re facing in the NEDCo area is illegal connection. Indeed, when you look at the losses, over 50 percent of what we experience nationally comes from the Northern Region—and of this, 70 percent is from Tamale alone, which is very worrying,” he stated.

He noted that NEDCo officials will soon embark on a massive revenue mobilization and loss control exercise across its operational areas.

“We met with the regional minister and other stakeholders in Tamale to discuss the issue and other important matters. In the coming days, as we work towards improving power supply, NEDCo officials will also engage in massive revenue mobilization efforts and clamp down on illegal connection activities,” he added.

On improving stable electricity supply in the Tamale enclave, the Minister announced that the government is investing in infrastructure to meet growing demand.

“Government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to meet electricity demand, and so the Adubiliyili and Lamashegu substations, which are expected to be completed in June, will significantly improve power supply in the Tamale area,” he stated.