GH¢300 million Big Push electricification project to connect 90 communities in Oti region

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has announced a significant GH¢300 million rural electrification project aimed at connecting around 90 communities in the Oti Region to the national power grid. This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by the Rural Electrification Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative and the government's Big Push Programme, is set to benefit nine districts and municipalities in the region, including Krachi East, Krachi West, Krachi Nchumuru, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Biakoye, Jasikan, Kadjebi, and Guan. The project's contractor, Le Grino, has been granted six months to complete the task.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, unveiled the project during a launch and handover ceremony in Dambai, Oti Region. He emphasized that this initiative underscores the government's dedication to extending electricity access to underserved communities nationwide. The program is anticipated to bolster education, healthcare, agro-processing, security, job creation, and the growth of local businesses, thereby fostering new opportunities for households and entrepreneurs in the beneficiary areas.

To ensure the project's success, the government plans to deploy an additional 2,000 distribution transformers, mini-grids, solar home systems, and solar streetlights to bolster power reliability. Richard Gyan-Mensah stressed the importance of adhering to the six-month completion deadline and assured residents and stakeholders that the contractor would be closely monitored to guarantee quality work and optimal value for money.

Both traditional authorities, Municipal and District Assemblies, and community members have been urged to collaborate with the project by facilitating access to project sites and addressing right-of-way challenges. Residents are also cautioned to safeguard electrical infrastructure from vandalism and illegal connections, adhere to electrical safety guidelines, and fulfill their electricity bill obligations promptly following connection.

John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, praised the government's introduction of the electrification project, stating that it would significantly contribute to the region's social and economic development. He called upon traditional authorities, district and municipal assemblies, and residents alike to actively support the implementation of the project, safeguard electrical infrastructure, refrain from illegal connections, and pay their electricity bills in a timely manner.