Madam Mary Tagba, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Tatali-Sangule, took swift action to resolve a potential conflict between the Sabonjida and Sangban communities, which arose due to a recent electricity disconnection. The issue began when the Sabonjida community was disconnected from the national grid, and the neighbouring Sangban community experienced a power outage due to damage to their transformer during repairs.
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Engagement for Resolution – Mary Tagba
To address the tension, Madam Tagba led a delegation to Sabonjida, which included security personnel, assembly members, engineers from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), as well as representatives from the Energy Commission. The DCE engaged in peaceful dialogue with the Sabonjida residents, assuring them of her commitment to finding a long-term solution. During her visit, she emphasised the importance of peace and open communication to resolve conflicts.
Commitment to Development and Peace
Madam Tagba urged the community to remain calm and patient as the assembly worked towards reconnecting both Sabonjida and Sangban to the national grid. She appealed for their support in her vision to develop the area and foster unity among the communities. The DCE’s call for dialogue and cooperation was well received by the residents, who expressed their appreciation for her intervention.
Collaboration for a Solution
Security agencies used the opportunity to sensitise both communities on the importance of lawfulness. At the same time, representatives from GRIDCo and the Energy Commission explained the procedures involved in connecting communities to the national grid. The communities were reassured that the issue would be resolved through a transparent and systematic approach.
Community Support for Resolution
Following the discussions, the people of Sabonjida commended the DCE and her team for their prompt action and the assurances they provided. The elders and youth in the area praised her for visiting the community, noting that no previous DCE had made such a visit since the district was established. The intervention was widely appreciated, and both communities pledged their full support in resolving the issue.
Step-by-Step Reconnection
It was agreed that the Sangban community would be reconnected to the national grid first, followed by Sabonjida and five other affected communities in the district. The DCE expressed gratitude to the residents for their understanding and reaffirmed her commitment to addressing their concerns in a timely, transparent, and inclusive manner.
Background of the Disconnection
Earlier in the month, the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo) disconnected Sabonjida from the national grid, citing that the necessary procedures had not been followed during the initial connection. During the disconnection process, the nearby Sangban community’s transformer was damaged, leading to a power outage in that area as well. Tensions arose when the Sabonjida community believed that Sangban was receiving preferential treatment, sparking suspicions and conflict between the two communities.
With the DCE’s leadership and intervention, the issue was successfully addressed, ensuring both communities could move forward with a shared commitment to peace and development.