The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor (MP), has launched a major turnkey electrification project aimed at extending electricity supply to 206 communities across 18 districts in the Volta Region (V/R).
The project, being implemented under the Government’s Rural Electrification Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP), forms part of Government’s broader commitment to reducing poverty, creating jobs and promoting socio-economic development through improved access to electricity.
Speaking at the launch held at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), Hon. Jinapor said the project would significantly improve electricity access for communities currently without reliable power supply, and communities that needed extension.
The project is being undertaken by Byes and Ways Limited and is expected to be completed within six months.
The Minister also announced significant investments to strengthen electricity transmission and improve power supply in Ho and other parts of the Volta Region.
According to Hon. Jinapor, Government is undertaking the construction of a 161kV transmission line from Asiekpe to Ho, which is expected to improve voltage levels and enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the region.
He further announced the construction of a new substation in Ho, which would provide the regional capital with a dedicated transformer and transmission line.
The facility is expected to ease pressure on the existing transformer and transmission infrastructure and improve the reliability of power supply to Ho and surrounding communities.
The transmission and substation project is being undertaken by Tilt Engineering Limited and is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Speaking on behalf of Tilt Engineering Limited, the CEO Ing. Samuel Adjidjornu disclosed that preliminary activities had already commenced, with a technical team currently undertaking route surveys and engaging communities along the project corridor.
The Minister also addressed concerns about complaints of overbilling by consumers.
He said the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) would independently investigate complaints to ensure that customers receive accurate bills based on their actual consumption.
He explained that where investigations establish that faulty meters are responsible for billing discrepancies, the affected meters would be replaced.
Following the launch, a short handover ceremony was held at the GRIDCo Substation, where the project was formally handed over to Tilt Engineering Limited by Hon. Jinapor and the Chief Executive of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ing. Frank Asirifi Otchere, and Mr. David Asamoah, Deputy Managing Director, Special Duties ECG.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the energy sector and the Volta Region, including Chiefs from the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the Deputy Managing Director, Special Duties, Mr. Asamoah; Director of Engineering, Ing. Jacqueline A. Ofori-Atta; Regional General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta Region, Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo; Ho District Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Offei; Commercial Manager, Mr. Solomon Adjiku; other ECG regional staff; and officials of GRIDCo.
The project is expected to contribute significantly to expanding electricity access, strengthening the transmission network and improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply across the Volta Region.
The Government has urged beneficiary communities, traditional authorities, local authorities and other stakeholders to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the timely and successful completion of the projects.
