The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition in Ghana has initiated a GH¢300 million rural electrification project aimed at connecting approximately 90 communities in the Oti Region to the national grid. This project is part of the Rural Electrification Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative and the government's Big Push Programme. The goal is to enhance access to reliable electricity across nine districts and municipalities in the region.
The project will cover several areas, including Krachi East, Krachi West, Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Biakoye, Jasikan, Kadjebi, and Guan. Le Grino, the contractor, has been given six months to complete the project. The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to extending electricity to underserved communities across the country.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors, including education, healthcare, agro-processing, security, job creation, and the growth of local businesses. Improved electricity access is also anticipated to create new opportunities for households and entrepreneurs in the beneficiary communities.
To further improve power reliability in the region, the government plans to deploy additional 2,000 distribution transformers, mini-grids, solar home systems, and solar streetlights. The Deputy Minister stressed that the six-month completion deadline is mandatory and assured residents and stakeholders that the contractor's work would be closely monitored to ensure quality and value for money.
Traditional authorities, Municipal and District Assemblies, and community members are urged to support the project by facilitating access to project sites and helping to resolve right-of-way challenges. The Deputy Minister also reminded residents to protect electrical infrastructure from vandalism and illegal connections, observe electrical safety guidelines, and pay their electricity bills promptly after being connected.
The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, commended the government for introducing the project, highlighting its potential to significantly contribute to the region's social and economic development. He encouraged traditional authorities, district and municipal assemblies, and residents to support the project's implementation, protect electrical infrastructure, and refrain from illegal connections.
The successful implementation of this project is expected to bring about significant improvements in the living standards of the people in the Oti Region. With reliable electricity, communities can engage in various economic activities, and social services such as healthcare and education can be delivered more effectively. The government's commitment to extending electricity to underserved communities is seen as a step towards achieving sustainable development.
Key points
- The project aims to connect 90 communities in the Oti Region to the national grid.
- The project is expected to improve access to reliable electricity and support education, healthcare, and economic growth.
- The contractor has been given six months to complete the project, with the government closely monitoring the work to ensure quality and value for money.
