A high-level diplomatic visit by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, ended in controversy on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after he and his delegation were turned away from the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.
The visit was intended to be a peacebuilding mission aimed at easing rising tensions between the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and traditional authorities in Dagbon, following ongoing power cuts and NEDCo’s suspension of field operations in parts of Tamale.
According to Citi News, the Overlord of Dagbon declined to meet the minister, citing the continued power outage in key traditional areas as a condition for any dialogue.
“No lights, no talks,” a palace source told reporters. The message was clear: restore electricity to all affected communities before seeking an audience.
The minister’s team, which had hoped to explain the government’s position and seek the support of the traditional council, was politely but firmly asked to leave.
The standoff reflects deepening frustration in the Northern Region, where residents have endured frequent and prolonged blackouts. NEDCo, the region’s power distributor, has accused locals of threatening its staff and obstructing operations, leading to the suspension of fieldwork over security concerns.
Critics, however, say NEDCo’s actions including reportedly cutting power to parts of the Gbewaa Palace were disrespectful and poorly handled, exacerbating an already fragile situation.
John Jinapor, himself a native of the north and formerly a Deputy Minister of Energy, has yet to issue an official statement following the incident. Sources close to the ministry say efforts to resolve the impasse will continue in the coming days, possibly through intermediaries.
