The Government has announced plans to extend electricity to 200 underserved communities across the Central Region under a GH¢598 million electrification programme aimed at improving power reliability and supporting local economic activity.
The six-month project, being implemented under the Rural Electrification Project (REP), will cover all 22 districts in the region and form part of the Government’s broader “Big Push” electrification initiative.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition and Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Mr Richard Gyan-Mensah, announced the initiative at a durbar of chiefs and residents of Gomoa Ajumako in the Gomoa West District.
He said the Government, under President John Mahama, was committed to expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity, particularly to communities that continued to face challenges with power supply.
According to Mr Gyan-Mensah, the project would improve electricity infrastructure in the beneficiary communities and create the conditions for greater economic activity.
He said reliable power was essential to improving healthcare delivery, education and security, while also supporting agro-processing and other businesses that could create employment and improve household incomes.
“The Government is determined to extend electricity to every community irrespective of its location,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the Big Push electrification programme was being implemented in four regions—Central, Savannah, Oti and Volta—to address gaps in electricity access and improve the reliability of supply.
He disclosed that the Central Region component had been awarded to Aviansses Ghana Company Limited and urged the contractor to mobilise resources and complete the project within the stipulated six-month period.
New sub-station for Gomoa West
As part of efforts to improve the reliability of power in the area, Mr Gyan-Mensah also cut the sod for the construction of a 33KV primary sub-station at Apam.
The facility is expected to supply electricity to Gomoa West and parts of the Ekumfi District while reducing the area’s dependence on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Winneba Sub-station.
He said the new infrastructure would help strengthen the power distribution network and improve supply to communities in the affected areas.
The Central Regional Minister, Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Aduamoah, welcomed the electrification programme and appealed to chiefs and landowners across the 22 districts to cooperate with contractors to facilitate smooth implementation.
He also cautioned residents, particularly young people employed on the project, against stealing cables and other project materials.
The Minister warned that anyone found involved in the theft or destruction of project materials would face the full force of the law.
Chiefs pledge support
President of the Gomoa Ajumako Traditional Council, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, commended the Government for what he described as its ongoing infrastructure development initiatives across the country.
He praised the Mahama administration’s performance during its first one-and-a-half years in office, particularly in the areas of roads, electrification, education and the economy.
On behalf of the chiefs, he pledged continued support for government programmes and urged the administration to pursue policies and projects that would improve the living conditions of citizens.
The electrification programme is expected to provide a major infrastructure boost to beneficiary communities while creating opportunities for businesses, schools, health facilities and agro-processing activities to expand.
