Residents of six communities in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region took to the streets of Akosombo on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, to protest against the Volta River Authority (VRA) over what they describe as exorbitant and accumulated electricity bills.

The affected communities—Combine, Tusker, Mangoase Afabeng, Osukwao, and Mataheko—are demanding urgent intervention from the VRA, claiming they have been burdened with accumulated bills ranging from a thousand to over ten thousand cedis.

Many residents who are unable to pay have had their power supply disconnected, affecting both homes and businesses.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Michael Worlanyo explained that disputes over electricity tariffs between the VRA and consumers in the area have persisted for the past eight years.

The issue, he noted, began after the replacement of analogue meters with credit 300 meters, which residents claim have led to unexpectedly high electricity costs, resulting in widespread defaults and mounting arrears.

"The bills are simply too high, and many of us cannot afford them.

We are not refusing to pay, but we need a flexible payment plan," Mr. Worlanyo stated.

Another resident, Isaac Dagadu, echoed similar concerns, warning that if the VRA fails to address their grievances, they will stage a large-scale demonstration in the coming days to demand a resolution.

The residents are calling on the VRA to engage with them and introduce a structured payment plan that would enable them to settle their debts without further hardship.