The Deputy Minister for Finance and MP for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has commissioned a 2.4-kilometre electricity network extension connecting the communities of Awurahae and Sapor to the national grid, ending decades of life without power for residents located just a few kilometres from the Akosombo Hydropower Dam.
Commissioning the project on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, Mr Ampem Nyarko described the electrification as the “biggest Christmas gift” to the two communities, saying access to electricity would unlock long-delayed social and economic opportunities.
“The best Christmas present that President Mahama is giving you today is connecting you to the national grid. This electricity will significantly improve your living conditions,” he told residents amid cheers and celebration.
Awurahae, a fishing and aquaculture community with an estimated population of 200 to 300, was linked through the extension from Kudi Junction. The project, which began in 2024 and was completed in 2025, traversed difficult terrain and challenging landscape.
Mr Ampem Nyarko explained that the project was self-funded, with technical and institutional support from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, alongside volunteer labour from community members.
He recalled that ahead of the 2024 general elections, he pledged to connect the communities to the national grid if given the mandate, a promise he says has been fulfilled barely a year into his third term in Parliament.
Roads, market and economic revival
Beyond electrification, the MP assured residents that work is progressing steadily on the Akosombo–Kudi–Kofe–Gyekiti road, a key component of government’s “Big Push” infrastructure agenda.
“The contractor will remain on site until the final bitumen asphalt overlay is laid to make the road fully motorable,” he said.
Mr Ampem Nyarko also announced plans to construct a 24-hour market in Awurahae to boost local commerce, particularly fishing.
“Now you have light and your road is being worked on, the next step is to establish a thriving market. You can freeze your catch, attract buyers from other areas and stop selling your fish cheaply for fear of spoilage,” he added.
Teachers’ accommodation to tackle attrition
In Sapor, residents raised concerns about high teacher attrition, a problem blamed largely on the lack of electricity and basic social amenities. Teachers posted to the community often leave within months, forcing schools to merge classes.
Mr Ampem Nyarko said the extension of electricity, coupled with plans to construct a six-unit teachers’ accommodation block, would help reverse the trend.
“This community has suffered very high teacher attrition. One major reason was the absence of electricity,” he said.
“We have secured a contract for six-unit teachers’ bungalows to provide decent accommodation. We expect to complete the project in 2026.”
Joy and gratitude
The commissioning sparked jubilation across both communities, with residents expressing relief and optimism.
Awurahae community leader Daniel Bisi told JoyNews the impact would be immediate.
“This electrification will change everything here. Fishing and farming will improve, and people will no longer sell their catch cheaply,” he said.
Assembly Member for the Adjinadornir–Sapor Electoral Area, Noah Tetteh, said the development would transform education.
“Now that we have light, teachers will stay, and students can study at night. This is good news for the community and the future of our children,” he noted.
Government’s broader electricity target
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan Mensah, said the Awurahae and Sapor projects align with government’s broader agenda to achieve near-universal access to electricity.
“Government remains resolute in achieving universal access to electricity, moving beyond the current 89.03 per cent access rate to about 99.9 per cent by 2030,” he said, describing electricity expansion as critical to inclusive national development.
Mr Mensah disclosed that the project involved the installation of a 100 kVA distribution transformer, medium-voltage lines using 120 sqmm aluminium conductors, and a low-voltage ABC network, at a total cost of GH¢3.05 million.
He also praised Mr Ampem Nyarko’s leadership and advocacy, describing his role as pivotal to the project’s success.
Amid drumming, dancing and celebration, chiefs and residents of Awurahae and Sapor expressed gratitude to government, the Energy Ministry, the VRA and the Asuogyaman MP for finally delivering electricity to communities that had waited for decades to be connected to the national grid.
