MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND GREEN TRANSITION EXPRESSES CONCERNS OF ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS AND NON-PAYMENT OF ELECTRICITY BILLS DURING WORKING VISIT TO NEDCO IN TAMALE

Minister for Energy and Green Transition Expresses Concerns of Illegal Connections and Non-Payment of Electricity Bills During Working Visit to NEDCo in Tamale

Tamale, Monday, April 14, 2025 — The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor embarked on a significant working visit to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (NEDCo) in Tamale, aiming to address pressing issues within the region's energy sector. During the visit, the Minister expressed grave concerns about the ongoing challenges posed by non-payment of electricity bills and the increasing instances of illegal connections in the area.

In a briefing session held with the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John and other stakeholders, Hon. Jinapor emphasised the critical need for improved compliance and enforcement mechanisms to curb the growing problem of illegal connections. "Illegal electricity connections not only hamper NEDCo's ability to provide reliable services but also pose significant safety risks to communities," stated the Minister, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

The Minister also highlighted the financial strain caused by the widespread non-payment of electricity bills. "Revenue losses due to unpaid bills are a significant roadblock in our efforts to expand and improve electricity services across the region," he noted. To combat these challenges, the Minister encouraged NEDCo to intensify its public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements to educate residents on the importance of paying their electricity bills promptly and the adverse effects of illegal connections.

Furthermore, the Minister pledged the government's support in implementing more robust strategies to enhance revenue collection and reduce theft within the electricity sector. "Our commitment is to ensure that all Ghanaians have access to safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. This can only be achieved through a collaborative effort between the Ministry, NEDCo, and the local communities," the Minister asserted. 

Hon. John Jinapor appealed to the chiefs and people of Tamale to assist NEDCo to undertake its intended revenue mobilsation drive and the monitoring exercise to deal with illegal connections to ensure the integrity of their systems. 

During the visit, the Hon. Minister paid curtesy calls on Gulkpenaa and Dakpema palaces to seek their blessings and support. The paramount chiefs assured Hon. John Jinapor of their support to NEDCo to clamp down on illegal connections in the communities. 

The Minister also toured some facilities to assess the state of infrastructure and operations at NEDCo. This hands-on approach reinforced his commitment to addressing the challenges head-on and finding sustainable solutions to improve electricity distribution in the Northern Region.

The visit concluded with a call to action for community leaders and residents to support the government's initiatives by ensuring compliance with electricity regulations, thereby contributing to the region's socio-economic development.

The Minister's visit to NEDCo in Tamale marks a significant step in addressing the operational difficulties faced by the electricity provider, with the ultimate goal of enhancing energy access and security for all residents in the Northern Region.