Two communities in the Asuogyaman Constituency—Awurahae and Sapor—have finally been connected to the national electricity grid, ending decades of living without power despite their close proximity to the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam.
The electrification project has brought immense relief and excitement to the fishing and farming communities, which have long struggled without reliable energy for socio-economic development.
Residents of Awurahae and Sapor gained national attention during the 2024 general elections when they staged a “No Light, No Votes” protest to demand access to electricity. Following the demonstration, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, personally initiated steps to extend power to the two communities.
Brief ceremonies were held on Christmas Day to officially connect Awurahae and Sapor to the national grid, drawing community members, local leaders and government officials.
Assembly Member for the Awurahae Electoral Area, Kwaku Abia, said the availability of electricity will significantly improve the livelihoods of fishermen and fish sellers by enhancing fish preservation and stimulating local economic activity.
Some schoolchildren also shared their challenges of studying at night due to the lack of lighting, noting that the new development will greatly improve their academic performance.
In Sapor, community leaders expressed optimism that access to electricity will help reduce the high rate of teacher attrition, a problem largely linked to the absence of basic social amenities.
Addressing residents, MP Thomas Nyarko Ampem explained that the electrification project was largely funded through his personal initiative.
“This electrification project was funded by myself. I procured the contractor, paid him, and provided initial materials such as electric poles. I then engaged the Volta River Authority (VRA), which supported us with cables and additional poles. The community also contributed communal labour and was fully involved from start to finish. This collaboration between myself, the community and VRA has made this possible,” he said.
The MP further highlighted ongoing infrastructure development in the constituency, particularly road projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.
According to him, the main road from Akosombo through Jakiti and Kudikope has been included in the project, with contractors currently working on site.
“As my boss, the Minister for Finance, has indicated, contractors under the Big Push project who raise certificates will be paid within 30 days. Funds have been ring-fenced to ensure prompt payment so work continues smoothly,” he added.
Mr. Nyarko Ampem also assured residents that plans are underway to establish fish markets in Awurahae and Kudikope to further boost the local economy.
The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, in his remarks, said the government is committed to expanding electricity access nationwide. He disclosed that national electricity coverage is expected to increase from the current 89.3 per cent to at least 90 per cent by the end of 2026.
He described the effort as critical to improving access to power for industries and driving economic transformation.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
