Businesses, hospitals, schools, and transport services in the Salaga South Municipality of the Savannah Region are reeling under the effects of erratic electric power supply and low voltage — a situation residents say has persisted for decades without a lasting solution.
The worsening electricity crisis has sparked renewed anger and frustration among residents, prompting a coalition of youth groups dubbed "Coalition of Salaga Deserves Better Youth Groups" to present a petition to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for onward submission to the Ministry of Energy.
Clad in red and holding placards with various inscriptions such as “Salaga deserves light” and “Fix our electricity now, Businesses are suffering” the protesters marched through the streets of Salaga to express their grievances and demand immediate government intervention.
“Businesses Are Collapsing”
Reading the petition on behalf of the group, convener Mr. Abu Fuseini lamented that constant power fluctuations have crippled local businesses and disrupted essential services.
“Frequent outages force businesses to rely on generators, which are costly and unreliable. It’s our call that authorities immediately fix the power situation in Salaga and its environs to save local businesses,” he said.
The group noted that several engagements with the Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO), traditional authorities, and government officials have yielded no meaningful results.
“For decades, we have endured unstable electricity. We met regional and national representatives of VRA and NEDCO, and even after a demonstration in 2023, nothing has changed,” the petition stated.
Concerns of neglect and bias
According to the youth, while a new substation is reportedly under construction in Tamale’s Lamashegu enclave to connect parts of the Northern Region, Salaga continues to suffer prolonged outages and dangerously low voltage.
Residents alleged that nearby Bimbilla has already been connected to a more stable power line, leaving Salaga and the surrounding areas sidelined.
“We have intelligence suggesting a deliberate bias, where our lights are often put off to allow Bimbilla and its surrounding communities to enjoy stable electricity,” the petition claimed.
The group further criticized the decision to situate a new substation in Kpandai instead of Salaga, arguing that Salaga’s geographical location makes it better suited to serve as a power hub for other affected areas including Kpandai, Kpassa, Kejebi, Banda, and Krachi.
Power cuts crippling development
The erratic power supply has taken a heavy toll on livelihoods and public services. Small business owners say electrical appliances such as fridges, televisions, and welding machines frequently break down due to voltage fluctuations. Many shops and cold stores close early, leading to job losses and declining incomes.
Health facilities have not been spared. At the Salaga Government Hospital and smaller community clinics, frequent blackouts disrupt emergency operations and vaccine storage, putting lives at risk.
In schools, teachers say learning outcomes are suffering. Poor lighting at night has made it difficult for students to study or prepare for exams, while teachers struggle to print materials or power projectors for lessons.
“Our lights go off almost every night. Students can’t study, and sometimes teachers can’t print exam papers or use projectors. It’s affecting education deeply,” Mr. Fuseini stressed.
Call for urgent action
The Salaga Deserve Better Youth Groups are urging the Ministry of Energy and the Presidency to prioritize the construction of a dedicated power substation in Salaga and reconnect the municipality to a more stable source such as the Bui Power and Northern Region lines.
“We have shown commitment and patience over the years. The time has come for the government to give Salaga and its people the light they deserve,” the statement emphasized.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the MCE, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Mahamadu Alhassan Kamara, said the assembly shared in the frustrations of residents and is working with relevant stakeholders and the sector minister to address the issue.
He acknowledged that although Salaga has recently been connected to the Bimbilla feeder line, voltage levels remain low, affecting welding, cold stores, and other power-dependent businesses.
“I can assure you that your MP and MCE, together with the assembly, are working hard to find a permanent fix. But we also appeal to the central government to upgrade the power system to fully address our concerns,” Mr. Kamara said.
He commended the youth for organizing a peaceful protest and thanked the security agencies for maintaining order throughout the demonstration.
