The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), in collaboration with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has launched a new initiative dubbed the “Tamale in Focus Project,” aimed at reducing commercial losses and improving service delivery in the Northern Region.

The initiative forms part of a strategic revenue mobilisation campaign designed to enhance the financial viability and operational efficiency of utility service providers. It seeks to address the growing challenge of power and water theft, which continues to threaten the sustainability of both NEDCo and GWCL.

Data from the GWCL indicates that between January 2024 and May 2025, the company lost approximately GH¢88.5 million due to illegal connections, with 1,145 theft cases recorded. NEDCo, on its part, reported losses of about GH¢195 million worth of electricity in Tamale alone, after purchasing approximately GH¢370 million worth of power during the same period.

The PURC says the project will promote closer collaboration among utility providers, the media, and the public to raise awareness, encourage responsible consumption, and improve enforcement.

Speaking at the launch in Tamale, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, described the initiative as a timely intervention to address the mounting challenges facing utility providers in the region.

“This project brings stakeholders—especially utility companies, the media, and the public—into a common space to work together toward reducing the high commercial losses these service providers face,” he stated.

The Minister warned that illegal connections and rising debts, particularly in Tamale, are pushing the utilities towards a breaking point.

“If care is not taken, we may wake up one day to find these institutions on the verge of collapse,” he cautioned.

He urged consumers to pay their bills promptly and refrain from illegal practices, stressing that sustainable utility services depend on a shared responsibility between providers and the public.

Mr Adolf John also commended the Northern Regional Office of the PURC for its diligence, noting that it resolved over 93% of the 319 complaints it received in the first quarter of 2025. He encouraged the Commission to sustain its efforts and continue protecting consumers while ensuring quality service delivery.

The Minister further called on public and private institutions indebted to the utilities to commit to repayment plans, emphasising the importance of timely debt settlement in sustaining operations.

Pledging the full support of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Adolf John appealed to the media and all stakeholders to rally behind the “Tamale in Focus Project”.

The PURC Northern Regional Manager, Mr Simon Ali, expressed confidence in the initiative’s ability to drive accountability and performance. He announced the formation of a media coalition against power and water theft, to name and shame individuals engaged in illegal activities.

Also speaking to the media after the launch, NEDCo’s Northern Regional Manager, Ing. Elvis A. Demnyakor, described the energy loss figures in the region as alarming. He revealed that the Tamale and Yendi Bulk Supply Points alone account for 96% of the total energy losses in NEDCo’s Northern operational area.

“We procured about GH¢370 million worth of electricity, and nearly GH¢195 million was lost in Tamale alone,” he said. “These losses are simply not sustainable.”

While some areas like Damongo and Buipe report significantly lower losses, he warned that the situation in Tamale and Yendi, if not urgently addressed, could severely disrupt power supply across the region.

“If this trend continues, we risk waking up one day without power,” Ing. Demnyakor warned.

He also cited operational and infrastructural constraints—including limited access to transformers and ageing power lines—as major hurdles to reliable service delivery.

“Our inability to raise enough revenue is hindering investment in critical upgrades, which in turn affects our service quality,” he noted.

Ing. Demnyakor reiterated calls for urgent, collective action from all stakeholders to reverse the trend and stabilise electricity supply in the Northern Region.