The cause of the fire is still not known but sources at GRIDco disclosed to Graphic online that the total blackout experienced in the metropolis was as a result of the 11.5 feeder breaker that got torched during the fire outbreak at main GRIDco transmission and distribution station at Choggu, a suburb of Tamale.

The sources say although the situation is under control, residents are likely to be in darkness for some days.

Residents of the metropolis had no alternative than to sleep in darkness on Monday night.

The power outage affected commercial activities in the night and visibility, forcing many people to go to bed early. Others who could not stand the hot weather condition came out of their rooms to sleep in the open.

As of the time of filing this report Tuesday morning, power had not been restored. The incident occurred around 7.30pm on Monday.

A statement from the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) on Monday's total blackout said: "NEDCo is currently having some challenges at the control room at Choggu, which has resulted in a total power outage in Tamale….effort is being made to fix the problem and restore supply".

NEDCo also apologised to its customers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the power outage.

The Northern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is yet to comment on the matter.