By Regina Atule, GNA
Damongo (S/R), July 27, GNA – Eight communities in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region have been connected to the national electricity grid, under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.
The beneficiary communities were; Seyiri, Kpiri, Frafra No. 6, Attributo No. 1, Attributo No. 2, Cathedral, Azurekura and Jebito.
Mr Richard Gyan-Mensah, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, who joined the communities to inaugurate the project, said it would boost economic activities in the communities.
He said the Big Push initiative in the energy sector sought to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, and would stimulate economic growth, improve healthcare delivery, enhance educational outcomes, and strengthen security in beneficiary communities.
He said the Big Push initiative prioritised rural electrification with a target of achieving 100 per cent national electricity coverage by 2030.
He said the country currently had about 90% electricity coverage, placing her amongst Africa’s leading countries in electricity access.
Mr Gyan-Mensah said the government had earmarked GH¢2 billion for the first phase of the Big Push initiative to expand electricity to the Savannah, Central, Oti and Volta Regions, with over GH¢600 million allocated to the Savannah where 107 communities would be connected to the national grid.
He added that with communities to be covered under the Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP), the total number of beneficiary communities in the Savannah region would increase to over 159, and this would significantly bridge the electricity access gap, which currently was estimated at between 50 and 60 per cent.
As part of the visit, the Deputy Minister paid a courtesy call on Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale, the Overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area at the Jakpa Palace at Damongo, where he assured him that the region would continue to receive major development projects under the government’s development agenda.
Mr Salisu Be-Awurebe, the Savannah Regional Minister said the initiative demonstrated President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to addressing long-standing development gaps in rural communities.
Mr Samuel Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo commended the government for completing the project, which commenced in 2023.
He said the collaboration with the Chiefs and people of the area signified that working together as partners they could grow their communities.
GNA
Edited by Eric K Amoh/ Christabel Addo
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