The Volta Regional Coordinating Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, has initiated the ‘Big Push Electrification Project’ – a strategic initiative designed to connect 206 communities across the Volta Region, representing a significant expansion of electricity infrastructure. This ambitious undertaking, aligned with the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP), is projected to be completed within six months, representing a vital step toward achieving universal electricity access by 2030 or earlier. The project, estimated to cost approximately GH¢598 million, is a cornerstone of the government’s broader plan to deliver electricity to all regions of Ghana.
The REIP’s implementation, commencing in the Volta, Oti, Central, and Savannah regions, is currently focused on the Volta, Oti, Central, and Savannah areas, with the overarching goal of nationwide coverage reaching 1,200 megawatts by 2029. Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, underscored the project’s significance, stating that it’s a crucial component of the government’s commitment to improving access for all citizens.
The project’s initial phase will encompass the Volta, Oti, Central, and Savannah regions, with the government targeting nationwide coverage by 2030 or earlier. According to a report by the Ministry of Energy, the Volta Region has historically faced persistent challenges including unstable power supply, limited voltage, and frequent outages, necessitating this large-scale electrification effort.
Dr. Jinapor announced the construction of a new 161-kilovolt transmission line from Asiekuma to Ho, alongside a 161/330/34.5-kilovolt bulk supply point in Ho, designed to significantly increase transmission capacity and improve the stability and reliability of electricity within the region. This infrastructure will also facilitate the delivery of power from the Akosombo power enclave to Ho, enhancing overall electricity delivery efficiency.
The energy minister highlighted plans to install 2,000 distribution transformers across the country, a significant step in addressing the outdated and vulnerable distribution network, particularly in areas with high transformer failure rates.
Furthermore, the project includes plans to strengthen electricity supply along the Eastern Corridor, specifically the stretch from Kpando to Salaga, with the construction of a new 330-kilovolt transmission line or expansion of the existing 161-kilovolt network. The government has also implemented a new solar-powered streetlight program, with approximately 2,000 transformers deployed across the region.
As part of efforts to improve lighting in the regional capital, Dr. Jinapor announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across Ho, providing improved illumination and enhancing the region’s aesthetic appeal.
The project’s success hinges on collaborative efforts among government agencies, contractors, traditional authorities, and beneficiary communities. The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has expressed his support, emphasizing the role of the Volta Region in Ghana’s economic development, particularly through attracting green industries and creating job opportunities.
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu emphasized the importance of reliable electricity for the Volta Economic Corridor and the region’s economic growth, stressing that dependable power will lower production costs for agriculture and manufacturing, boost value addition, enhance regional competitiveness, and create sustainable employment opportunities. He further commended the Energy Minister for the initiatives and expressed optimism regarding the project’s contribution to green industry development and job creation.
Ghana’s government is committed to reaching 1,200 megawatts of thermal power capacity by 2029, highlighting the importance of bolstering electricity supply to support economic growth and industrialization throughout the country. The IMF has urged Ghana to sustain quarterly electricity tariff adjustments to maintain financial stability.
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Source: Adom Online
