Accra: The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced plans to construct a new six-kilometre power line aimed at improving electricity supply to the Bia West Constituency. This development comes in response to persistent power outages that have troubled residents over an extended period.
According to Ghana Web, Minister Jinapor addressed the issue while speaking in Parliament, responding to a question posed by the Member of Parliament for Bia West, Mustapha Tanko Amadu. He highlighted that the current power challenges in the constituency are mainly due to the long transmission distance of the existing 33-kilovolt (kV) feeder line from Bonsu-Nkwanta, which spans approximately 80 kilometres through a forested area. This extensive distance and dense vegetation contribute to frequent power disruptions.
The minister stated that the government inherited this challenge and has proposed a solution to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the area. The plan involves constructing a six-kilometre segment of the Benkyema feeder line between Nsesemu and Elukrom, which is expected to reduce outages caused by vegetation interference along the current feeder line.
Additionally, the project will entail removing approximately 60 trees along sections of the feeder routes to mitigate interference with power lines. Jinapor emphasized the importance of cooperation from residents and the approval of the Forestry Commission of Ghana for this tree-felling exercise.
He further revealed that a contract for the construction of the new line has already been secured. The agreement, signed on January 19, 2026, with Messrs Emessar Engineering Works, will facilitate the construction of the line connecting Nsesemu on the Bonsu-Nkwanta feeder to Elukrom. This new line is expected to serve as an alternative power source to Bia West, thereby improving electricity reliability in the constituency.
Jinapor added that the arrangement would also enable the Bonsu-Nkwanta feeder to primarily serve its immediate area, reducing the need to transmit power all the way to Bia West. The intervention will focus on clearing approximately 60 trees along the construction path, with support from the Bia West District Assembly and the Member of Parliament.
The Bia West Assembly has already taken steps by writing to the Forestry Services Division on February 26, 2026, seeking permission to remove the trees. Discussions with the Forestry Commission are ongoing to secure the necessary approvals, with Jinapor personally engaging with the minister responsible for the sector.
The minister assured the MP and residents of Bia West that the government is committed to resolving the power issues in the constituency, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring a reliable power supply for the people.