In a bid to expand electricity access, the government has launched the Turnkey Electrification Project in the Oti Region, targeting 90 communities across all nine districts. The initiative, part of the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative (REIP), aims to bring power to areas that have long been without reliable electricity.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition and MP Richard Gyan‑Mensah explained that the project will address both rural and urban needs. Rural components will extend electricity to previously unserved communities, while urban intensification will upgrade existing networks to improve supply stability.
Gyan‑Mensah added that the strategy will roll out to all 16 regions over the next four years, with the Volta, Oti, Savannah and North East regions earmarked for this year’s work. The Ministry has already released 2,000 distribution transformers for installation by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
For communities far from current distribution lines, mini‑grid systems are being considered as an alternative. The project will also see the installation of about 23,000 solar streetlights nationwide, with local Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies sharing the cost and the Ministry financing the rest.
Le‑Grino has been selected to carry out electrification works across the nine districts, while the Ministry works with ECG and NEDCo to implement the plan. The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, highlighted the potential for reliable electricity to spur economic activity in schools, health facilities and businesses.
Traditional authorities and local assemblies have been urged to protect infrastructure, prevent illegal connections and safeguard right‑of‑way areas. Consumers are also called upon to pay bills, observe safety measures and conserve power.
Officials noted that the project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to expand rural electrification nationwide. The launch was attended by traditional leaders, religious figures, ministry officials, ECG, NEDCo and other stakeholders.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders will monitor progress and ensure that the promised power reaches the 90 communities, potentially transforming livelihoods across the Oti Region.
