Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving near-universal access to electricity, pledging to raise the national access rate from the current 89.03 per cent to about 99.9 per cent by 2030.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan Mensah, said the goal is central to accelerating socio-economic development, particularly in underserved communities.
“Government remains resolute in achieving universal access to electricity, moving beyond the current 89.03 per cent access rate to about 99.9 per cent by 2030,” he said.
Mr Mensah was speaking at the commissioning of two electrification projects for Awurahae and Sapor in the Asuogyaman Constituency of the Eastern Region. The two communities located just a few kilometres from the Akosombo Hydropower Dam but have had to live without electricity for decades.
Project details and cost
Awurahae, a fishing and aquaculture community with an estimated population of 200–300, was connected through a 2.4-kilometre network extension from Kudi Junction. The project, initiated in 2024 and completed in 2025, had to contend with difficult terrain and landscape.
According to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan Mensah, the works included the installation of a 100 kVA distribution transformer, a medium-voltage network using 120 sqmm aluminium conductors, and a low-voltage network using ABC cables.
“The total project cost stood at GH¢3.05 million, reflecting the distance, terrain and quality standards required to ensure reliable electricity supply,” Mr. Mensah further noted.
Mr Mensah also praised the leadership of the MP for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, describing his role as pivotal to the project’s success.
“I wish to acknowledge the exceptional leadership and advocacy of the MP for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, for his unwavering commitment to this project,” he said.
Biggest Christmas gift
Commissioning the projects on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, Mr Ampem Nyarko described the electrification as the “biggest Christmas gift” to residents who had lived their entire lives without power.
“The best Christmas present that President Mahama is giving you today is connecting you to the national grid. This electricity will significantly improve your living conditions,” he said.
He explained that the project was self-funded, with support from the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, and volunteer labour from community members.
The MP recalled that before the 2024 elections, he pledged to connect the communities to the national grid if given the mandate, a promise he says has now been fulfilled barely a year into his third term in Parliament.
Roads, market and economic boost
Beyond electricity, Mr Ampem Nyarko assured residents that work is progressing on the Akosombo–Kudi–Kofe–Gyekiti road, which forms part of government’s “Big Push” infrastructure agenda.
“The contractor will remain on site until the final bitumen asphalt overlay is laid to make the road fully motorable,” he said.
He also announced plans to construct a 24-hour market in Awurahae to boost local economic activity, particularly fishing.
“Now you have light and your road is being worked on, the next step is to establish a thriving market. You can freeze your catch, attract buyers from other areas and stop selling your fish cheaply for fear of spoilage,” he added.
Teachers to get accommodation in Sapor
In Sapor, residents highlighted longstanding challenges, including high teacher attrition, largely due to the lack of electricity and basic amenities. Teachers posted to the community often leave within months, forcing schools to combine classes.
Mr Ampem Nyarko said the situation would change with the extension of electricity and the commencement of a six-unit teachers’ accommodation project.
“This community has suffered very high teacher attrition. One of the major reasons was the absence of electricity,” he said.
“We have secured a contract for the construction of six-unit teachers’ bungalows so teachers can live here comfortably. We expect to complete the project in 2026.”
Joy and gratitude
Residents of both communities expressed excitement and relief at the long-awaited development.
Awurahae community leader Daniel Bisi told JoyNews the impact would be immediate.
“This electrification will change everything here. Fishing and farming will improve, and people will no longer sell their catch cheaply,” he said.
The Assembly Member for the Adjinadornir–Sapor Electoral Area, Noah Tetteh, said the power supply would transform education outcomes.
“Now that we have light, teachers will stay, and students can study at night. This is good news for the entire community and for the future of our children,” he said.
Amid drumming, dancing and jubilation, chiefs and residents of Sapor and Awurahae expressed gratitude to the government, the Energy Ministry, the VRA and the MP for delivering electricity to communities that had waited for decades to be connected to the national grid.
