BPA to construct 56 million dollar Solar Energy project

The Bui Power Authority (BPA), managers of the Bui dam has finalized agreements for work to commence on the construction of a-56-million-dollar solar energy project in the Bole District of the Northern Region.

The Authority, on Tuesday paid compensation amounting to Ghc 42,276.92 to five farmers whose crops would be affected by the project, sited at Carpenter, near Bamboi.

Babatuoro Nimbre, Kwasi Bandong, Kanyo Kayuriyi, Papa Tailor and Jonas Nwinsumba, the affected farmers received their cheques at a mini durbar held at Carpenter.

The BPA is yet to pay the land compensation to the chiefs of the area for releasing 1,000 acre parcel of land which contained various economic trees for the project.

According to Mr Fred Oware, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the BPA, on completion, the 12-month project would add 50 megawatts of power to the national electricity grid.

The project is to be executed by the Strategic Security International Systems, a solely Ghanaian owned design, construction and solar installation firm.

Mr Oware told the Chiefs and People of the Mo North traditional area the project would open up economic activities in the area and advised them to support and cooperate with the construction firm.

He explained that since construction works on the 400 megawatts dam begun in 2007, the Authority had paid all the crop and right of way compensations, as well as resettled farmers who were directly or indirectly affected by the project.

What the CEO said was left is the land compensation, but he quickly added that his outfit was working out modalities to settle all those whose lands were taken by the dam.

Mr Oware reminded the people that the Bui City and all others projects would be executed as already designed.

He gave the assurance the Authority would ensure that the contractor engaged a percentage of the local workforce during construction stage of the project.

Engaging locals will give many of the youth in the area jobs and enhanced their socioeconomic livelihood, he added.

Mr Ernest Oppong Amankwaah, the Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Valuer of the Land Valuation Division said the BPA engaged his outfit to enumerate and evaluate all the crops and economic trees before the compensation was effected.

Nana Solomon Antwi Dompeh II, the Chief of Carpenter welcomed the project and was optimistic that it would bring development opportunities to the area.

He appealed to the BPA to ensure the community was given a slot on the membership of Board of Directors of the project.

Nana Dompeh II called on the government to create a separate district at Bamboi saying people travel about 72 kilometers to Bole, the district capital.

Oheneba Ofori Boateng, the CEO of the construction firm, called for cooperation from the people of the area so that the project is completed as scheduled.

He promised to ensure regular contacts with the chiefs, in addressing emerging issues in connection with the project.

The event was witnessed by Nana Kwadwo Pambo II, the Chief of Jama, Nana Dr David Tibarakala, the Gyaasehene of South Mo Traditional Area and other key officials of the BPA.