The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has launched a GH¢300 million rural electrification project to connect approximately 90 communities in the Oti Region to the national grid.
The initiative, being implemented under the Rural Electrification Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative and the government’s Big Push Programme, is expected to improve access to reliable electricity across nine districts and municipalities in the region.
The beneficiary areas are Krachi East, Krachi West, Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Biakoye, Jasikan, Kadjebi and Guan.
The contractor Le Grino has been given six months to complete the project.
Speaking at the launch and handover ceremony at Dambai in the Oti Region, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to extending electricity to underserved communities across the country.
He said the initiative would support education, healthcare, agro-processing, security, job creation and the growth of local businesses.
Improved electricity access, he added, would also create new opportunities for households and entrepreneurs in the beneficiary communities.
The deputy minister disclosed that the government would deploy additional 2,000 distribution transformers, mini-grids, solar home systems, and solar streetlights to improve power reliability in the region.
He stressed that the six-month completion deadline was mandatory and assured residents and other stakeholders that the contractor would be closely monitored to ensure quality work and value for money.
Traditional authorities, Municipal and District Assemblies and community members were urged to support the project by facilitating access to project sites and helping to resolve right-of-way challenges.
The deputy minister also urged 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, saying it would contribute significantly to the region’s social and economic development.
He urged the Traditional authorities, district and municipal assemblies and residents to support the implementation of the project, protect electrical infrastructure and refrain from illegal connections.
