Energy Minister denies labelling Tamale residents as power thieves

On Monday, April 28, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, denied allegations on social media. Reports claimed he called 70% of Tamale residents power thieves.

In a press statement, Mr. Jinapor labeled these claims as “entirely false and baseless.” He urged the public to ignore such misinformation.

He stated that audio-visual recordings would confirm he never made those remarks. Instead, he expressed concern about high losses in the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) region.

These losses contribute to frequent power outages in the area. Mr. Jinapor clarified that technical and collection losses do not indicate theft. They reflect inefficiencies within the utility company.

The Minister emphasized the need for urgent reforms in Tamale's power sector. He called for significant investments and improved operational efficiency to address ongoing challenges.

Mr. Jinapor stressed that better revenue collection is essential for reliable power supply in Tamale. His comments signal a broader agenda to enhance energy services across Northern regions.

In closing, he reaffirmed his respect for the people of Tamale, calling them his kinsmen. He assured chiefs and elders that he would never use derogatory terms towards them.

His strong rebuttal aims to maintain community trust while addressing technical issues in energy distribution.