US$350 million regional electrification programme launched

Enyan Maim (C/R), Nov. 17, GNA – A $350-million Regional Electrification Programme has been launched at Enyan Maim in the Central Region to connect over 200 rural communities to the national grid.

Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Deputy Minister of Energy, speaking at the launch expressed government's commitment to provide for the welfare of the people. He mentioned Western, Central and Brong Ahafo as beneficiary regions; with Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, Awutu Senya, Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Twifo-Hemang-Lower-Denkyira, Gomoa and Nfantseman as beneficiary districts in Central Region.

Mr Buah, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele, said the government of the NDC started the rural electrification programme when only five per cent of the nation’s rural population had electricity power and was able to chalk 43 per cent before leaving office. The New Patriotic Party (NPP), he said, continued to 54 per cent and added that from January 2009 to-date, 72 per cent of rural people were now enjoying light.

He called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the offer by wiring their houses and acquiring metres. Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, asked the beneficiaries to support the contractors on the project. Mr Peter Light Koomson, District Chief Executive for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, said 29 out of 53 communities in the district had been hooked to the national grid between January 2009 and 2011, and that additional 13 were to benefit from the current programme. He mentioned Obrawogum, Enya n Kokwaado, Opepease, Akotogua, Bordenkwaa and Denkyendua as some of the communities. The rest are Pinanko/Anamosi, Edwumaim, Bekoso, Amoanda Number Two, Anyinasu, Boso and Solomon.

Mr Ato Forson, MP for the area, reminded the people to stay with peace, love and unity and plan development projects to support the government's Better Ghana Agenda. He said the year 2012 was an election year and their votes for NDC would bring continuous developmental projects to the District.