A member of the Maintenance Department of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) in Sunyani, Mr. Francis Offei, has dismissed claims that recent power outages in the area are politically motivated, insisting that the company’s core mandate is to serve the public regardless of political differences.

According to Mr. Offei, issues surrounding power interruptions last year are different from the current challenges being experienced.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Ama Konadu on ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show at Sompa FM-Sunyani, he explained that although there was widespread public criticism at the time, the problem was purely technical and not influenced by politics.

“People talked plenty, but we cannot do politics at work,” Mr. Offei said. “Our core duty is to serve the people or the public no matter our political differences. There is no political interference in our working environment.”

Mr. Offei explained that the major challenge last year was caused by a faulty breaker, which led to prolonged outages and public complaints.

He noted that the situation was thoroughly investigated, with the Regional Minister and some journalists visiting the site of the fault.

“When people complained, the Regional Minister, together with some journalists, came around and we took them to where the fault developed from. They appreciated what they saw,” he stated.

He further dismissed allegations of deliberate sabotage, describing such claims as unfounded and illogical.

According to him, NEDCo stands to lose revenue whenever power supply is interrupted.

“We can’t sabotage because the power we get cannot be stored,” Mr. Offei explained. “If we don’t sell it once Akosombo brings it, we make losses. We feel more pained when the lights go off because we lose revenue, but we cannot always talk about it.”

Mr. Offei acknowledged that both last year and this year have presented major operational challenges but maintained that these issues should not be politicized.

“We cannot play politics because it won’t work for us,” he emphasized. “The company belongs to any sitting government, so you can’t sabotage anyone. In the end, we lose and the people suffer.”

He appealed to the public for understanding and cooperation, assuring customers that NEDCo remains committed to improving service delivery and addressing technical faults as quickly as possible.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan