Residents of Salaga and its environs took to the streets on Tuesday, June 25, to protest against the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) over the unreliable power supply in the area. The demonstration was organized by the youth of the area, who have been battling with intermittent power outages, low or high voltage, and other power supply challenges on a daily basis for over a decade.
Despite several demonstrations in the past, the situation remains unchanged, leaving residents frustrated and desperate for a solution. The unreliable power supply has greatly affected the water supply to the Salaga community and its environs by the Ghana Water Company limited, with many residents struggling to access clean water.
Businesses in the area have also been severely impacted, with many entrepreneurs unable to operate their businesses due to the frequent power outages. Convener of the protest, Ibrahim Anyass, expressed the frustration of the residents, stating that they will continue to protest until their demands are met.
“We are fed up with the power outages, yet NEDCO officials are not saying anything. In a day, the lights go off over 20 times,” said one of the protesters. The demonstrators have given NEDCo a one-month ultimatum to resolve the power challenges, failing which they will embark on further action.
The protesters also lamented the impact of the power outages on their daily lives, including the inability to charge their phones, spoilage of food in their fridges, and the inability to use their televisions. Management of VRA-NEDCo in Salaga has remained silent over the matter, fueling the frustration of the residents who feel ignored and neglected by the authorities.
