The government has launched a GH¢598 million rural electrification project aimed at connecting 211 unelectrified communities across 22 districts in the Central Region to the national grid.

The project forms part of the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP), under the government’s flagship “Big Push” programme.

Speaking at the sensitisation and launch of the Turnkey Project at the forecourt of the Gomoa Ajumako Paramount Chief’s Palace, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition and Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity.

“Today, the President Mahama’s government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no community, irrespective of its location, is denied reliable and affordable electricity.”

He said government has adopted a targeted regional strategy to connect unelectrified communities to the national grid within the next four years.

“Government has adopted a targeted regional strategy to connect unelectrified communities to the national grid within the next four years. I am happy to announce that this year Central, Savannah, Oti and Volta were the four regions being prioritised.”

Gyan-Mensah said Arvensis Ghana Limited has been contracted to extend electricity to 211 communities across 22 districts in the Central Region, with the project expected to be completed within six months.

“In the Central Region, Messrs. Arvensis Ghana Limited is the contractor assigned to extend electricity to 211 communities across 22 districts, with completion expected within six months.”

He said the project complements other investments in the energy sector, including the installation of solar streetlights and the construction of a primary substation at Apam.

“Under the National Streetlighting Programme, solar streetlight installation in the Central Region has been completed. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is also constructing a primary substation at Apam comprising a 20MVA, 33/11kV distribution transformer to improve reliability and increase capacity to meet growing demand.”

The Deputy Minister said the provision of reliable electricity would contribute to development across several sectors of the economy and improve the livelihoods of residents.

“Reliable electricity supports education, healthcare, businesses, agro-processing, investment, security, job creation and improved livelihoods, while advancing Ghana towards universal access.”

He assured that the Ministry would closely monitor the implementation of the project to ensure quality, value for money and timely completion.

“The Ministry will closely monitor implementation to ensure quality, value for money and timely completion. The six-month timeline is not a suggestion, and the contractor will be held accountable.”

He urged traditional authorities, Assemblies and beneficiary communities to support the project by facilitating access and resolving right-of-way issues.

“Traditional authorities, Assemblies and communities are urged to facilitate access, resolve right-of-way issues, protect materials, prevent vandalism and illegal connections, observe electrical safety and pay bills promptly.”

He also called on the beneficiary communities to protect project materials and desist from vandalism and illegal electricity connections.

The Deputy Minister, on behalf of the government and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, subsequently handed over the project sites to the contractor and formally launched the Turnkey Project under REIP in the Central Region.

“On behalf of Government and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, I formally hand over the project sites to the contractor and launch the Turnkey Project under REIP in the Central Region.”