Monday, 13 October

13 communities in Central Gonja district connected to national grid

Politics
Energy Minister switching on the light

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no community in Ghana is left without electricity, regardless of its location or size.

He made the remarks when he opened the expansion of rural electrification to 13 new communities in the Central Gonja District of the Savanna Region, as part of the government’s broader effort to extend power supply to every corner of the country.

Mr. Jinapor noted that Ghana currently boasts about 90% electricity access, one of the highest rates in Africa, but emphasised that the government remains determined to achieve universal access.

“No community should be left in the dark simply because it’s rural.

Our goal is 100% electricity access across the nation,” the Minister declared.

He commended President John Dramani Mahama for his continuous leadership in advancing rural electrification, describing the initiative as central to Ghana’s inclusive development and green transition agenda.

The Energy Minister also urged residents to honour their electricity bills, stressing that sustainability in energy supply depends on responsible citizenship.

“While the government is expanding access, citizens must also play their part by paying for the electricity they consume.

We can keep the power on if customers pay their bills. It’s a shared responsibility,” he said.

Touching on recent concerns raised by residents in Tamale, Mr. Jinapor assured them that the government is open to dialogue and fairness.

“I hear you, and we are willing to engage. Those who genuinely cannot pay should be placed on flexible payment plans, but those engaging in illegal connections must stop.

Such acts are not only unlawful but also damage transformers and affect entire communities,” he cautioned.

He further disclosed that the Ministry, through the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), is implementing a loss reduction programme to minimise both commercial and technical inefficiencies in the power sector.

According to the Minister, these efforts have already yielded a 10% improvement in revenue collection and reduced system losses.

“As Energy Minister, I will continue to provide every support to ensure this progress continues.

Together, we are lighting up lives and building a stronger Ghana,” Mr. Jinapor affirmed.

 

 

Source: Classfmonline.com/cecil Mensah