Two communities in Asuogyaman Constituency -Awurahae and Sapor have been connected to the national grid on Christmas Day bringing excitement to the residents.
The fishing and farming communities despite their proximity to the Akosombo hydro electric dam have been without power for decades denying the community access to energy fundamental for socioeconomic development.
The communities staged “No Light, No Votes” protest during 2024 General Election period prompting action from the member of parliament Thomas Nyarko Ampem who personally started financing extension of electricity to the community.
According to the Assembly member for Awurahae Electoral Area Kwaku Abia, extension of the electricity to the community will boost livelihood of fishermen and fish sellers and boost the local economy.
He said fishermen and traders can now purchase refrigerators to preserve their fish to reduce post harvest losses.
For his counterpart in Sapor Electoral Area Noah Tetteh, the presence of electricity will bring to an end to high teacher attrition rate in the community, and boost economic activities.
“I believe that this light that has come is going to boost economic activities. Previously, people had fridges in their room, which is not useful. But from today that the light has been commissioned, people can now use their fridge to do their economic activities like selling of water, ice cream, and other drinks.
At least now, with happiness, even the world cup that is going to be played now, people of Sapor will not have to move to other communities to watch football. But now, they can now watch football in Sapor community”.
Commissioning the Electrification projects, the MP for Asuogyaman also Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem said by end of 2028 President John Mahama would have ensured that all communities in Asuogyaman without access to electricity are connected to the national grid.
“This electrification project was funded by myself. In fact, I procured the contractor, paid him. I brought initial materials, electric poles and others, and started the project. I ran to VRA, who also came to our aid and supported us with some cables and additional poles. The community also contributed communal labour and have been seriously involved in the construction process from beginning to the end. So I’m thankful that the collaboration between myself, the community and VRA have been able to yield this result” said Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
The MP assured that ongoing road projects and plans to establish fish market in Awurahae and kudikope will help boost the economy.
“We managed to get the main road from Akosombo through to Jakiti, Kudikope, onto the Big Push project. And as you can see, the contractors are working on this seriously. We will continue to encourage them. And as my boss, the Minister for Finance indicated, any contractor who is doing the Big Push project, including those in the Asuogyaman, who raise certificates will be paid within 30 days. And so the funds are there, we have ring-fenced it, and we’ll make sure that we pay contractors promptly so they can continue to do their work until they complete it.”
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan- Mensah said government’s target is to expand electricity coverage from current 89.3% to at least 90% by the end of 2026 to make it accessible to industries and small scale businesses for economic transformation and job creation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
