A coalition of concerned communities in the Akosombo area has formally petitioned the Minister of Energy and Green Transition to intervene in a long-standing dispute with the Volta River Authority (VRA) over accumulated electricity debts and what they describe as excessive service charges.
The petition dated July 30, 2025, and signed by traditional leaders and residents from six communities — Akosombo, New Powmu, Mangoase, Afabeng, Ankyease, and Ghanakpe — highlights frustrations over what they claim are unfair billing practices and a lack of accountability from VRA.
According to the petition, the root of the problem began when VRA installed electricity meters in the communities that were “not calibrated.” Residents claim these faulty meters led to the accumulation of unusually high electricity debts on individual accounts.
Following public protests, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) intervened, and the meters were replaced with prepaid ones.
The communities report that consumption levels dropped significantly after the switch — a clear indication, they argue, that the previous meters were indeed malfunctioning.
“We, in these communities, are of the view that the huge debts incurred were as a result of the meters that were not calibrated,” the petition states. Despite multiple attempts to negotiate a rebate or debt cancellation with VRA, the communities say all efforts have failed.
In a recent meeting, VRA reportedly told community representatives that the Authority could not resolve the issue and advised them to escalate the matter to the Presidency.
Adding to the community’s frustration is the imposition of a monthly service charge of between GH¢39.00 and GH¢42.00 by VRA. Residents compare this with other towns like Somanya, Koforidua, Afienya, and Kpong — where the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) charges between GHS 11.00 and GH¢12.00 per month.
The discrepancy has led to growing unrest among residents who see the charges as arbitrary and unjustified.
“When confronted by the communities on these charges, [VRA’s] explanation was that the charges were what had been approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission,” the petition notes. However, residents believe the charge is excessive and inconsistent with what others in other areas are paying.
In the letter addressed to the energy minister, the communities request urgent intervention from both the Ministry and the PURC to investigate the issues raised and provide redress. They also warn of potential disturbances if the grievances are not addressed soon.
The petition was signed by local leaders, including Nana Asare Akowuah III, Krontihene of the Akwamu Traditional Area and Chief of New Powmu; Togbe Ocloo A.R. Ater Havor; Michael Worlanyo Kuto; Mr. Opoku Jedidiah; Odikoro William Azumah; and Mr. Gana Ameza.
The petition has also been copied to key stakeholders, including the Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary of PURC, Board Chairman of VRA, Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman and the District Chief Executive for Asuogyaman.
Several demonstrations and agitations over the past decade to have the issues resolved have proven futile.
As tensions mount in these communities, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Energy and the PURC to act swiftly and ensure a fair resolution to the growing energy dispute.
