Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Abdulai Jinapor, has commissioned the expansion of rural electrification to 13 additional communities in the Central Gonja District of the Savanna Region.
The project forms part of government’s broader agenda to achieve universal access to electricity and improve livelihoods through reliable power supply.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Jinapor reaffirmed government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership to extend electricity to every part of the country.
“Ghana currently has about 90% electricity access, one of the highest rates in Africa and we are determined to reach 100%. No community should be left in the dark,” he said.
The Energy Minister also appealed to residents to pay their electricity bills to sustain power supply and prevent losses to the utilities.
“While government is doing its part by expanding access, we must all play our roles as citizens. We can keep the power on if customers pay for the electricity they consume , it’s a shared responsibility,” he stressed.
Mr. Jinapor further addressed concerns from some residents in Tamale who have expressed frustrations over billing and disconnections. He assured them of government’s willingness to engage in dialogue to find fair and lasting solutions.
“Those who have genuine challenges should be placed on a payment plan, but illegal connections must stop. They damage transformers and affect entire communities,” he cautioned.
The minister highlighted ongoing measures under the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to reduce commercial and technical losses, noting a 10% improvement in revenue collection since the introduction of loss reduction programmes.
Mr. Jinapor reiterated his ministry’s commitment to supporting NEDCo and other power utilities to maintain operational efficiency and deliver sustainable energy to all Ghanaians.
“Together, we are lighting up lives and building a stronger Ghana,” he concluded.
