Accra:Oti Region The Government has initiated the Turnkey Electrification Project as part of the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP), aiming to bring electricity to 90 communities across all nine districts of the Oti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project targets both rural and urban areas to either extend electricity supply where it is currently unavailable or to enhance existing networks for improved reliability. The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Mr. Richard Gyan-Mensah, emphasized that this initiative aims to address complementary electricity needs, with a focus on covering all 16 regions over the next four years.
The government has released 2,000 distribution transformers to be installed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to ensure supply stability. For remote communities, mini-grid systems are being considered as an alternative to traditional distribution networks.
Additionally, solar technology will be used to improve street and highway lighting, with approximately 23,000 solar streetlights planned for nationwide installation. The Ministry will share the installation costs with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
Efforts are also underway to improve infrastructure along the Eastern Corridor to enhance connectivity and support the electricity network's development. Planned connectivity projects include links between Ho and Asiekpe, Kadjebi and Ho, Adobire and Salaga, and Tamale and Salaga.
Mr. Gyan-Mensah called on local assemblies and traditional authorities to protect the infrastructure and discourage illegal connections. He reminded consumers of their responsibilities to pay bills, follow safety precautions, and conserve energy.
Mr. Sulemana Abubakar, the engineer in charge of Power at the Ministry, noted that the project is part of the President's directive to electrify all 16 regions, with support from ECG and NEDCo. The project will be executed by Le-Grino in the nine districts of the Oti Region Guan, Buem, Akan, Biakoye, Nkwanta South, Nkwanta North, Krachi Nchumuru, Krachi West, and Krachi East.
Oti Regional Minister, Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, remarked that the project would significantly aid the region's development, emphasizing the importance of electricity for socio-economic growth, especially in schools, health facilities, and businesses.
Nana Bondja Kwame II, Overlord of Chonke, expressed gratitude for the project and urged the Ministry to ensure stable electricity supply to sustain development. Traditional leaders, religious figures, and other stakeholders attended the launch, marking a significant step towards expanding electricity access and supporting economic activity in the region.