The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition and Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has announced a series of energy infrastructure projects aimed at expanding electricity access, improving service delivery, and supporting industrial growth across the Central Region.
Speaking during an engagement with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from the region in Accra, Mr. Gyan-Mensah said the government remains committed to addressing electricity access challenges while strengthening collaboration with local authorities to accelerate development.
He disclosed that more than 20,000 solar streetlights have already been installed nationwide, with plans underway to extend the initiative to additional communities in the Central Region.
According to him, the rollout will be implemented in phases, with priority given to communities facing infrastructure deficits and areas experiencing rapid development.
The Deputy Minister also announced plans to establish a comprehensive framework for the management and maintenance of streetlight infrastructure.
The framework, he said, will involve close collaboration between contractors and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure the sustainability of the installations.
Mr. Gyan-Mensah further revealed that the Central Region has been selected as one of the first beneficiaries of the government’s expanded rural electrification programme under the “Big Push” agenda.
He noted that implementation is expected to commence in July following the completion of contractual arrangements, with underserved communities receiving priority attention.
Addressing concerns about power reliability, the Deputy Minister highlighted the growing challenge of transformer failures, revealing that more than 2,000 transformers within the operational areas of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have been affected in recent years.
He explained that the Ministry is working closely with ECG to implement a nationwide transformer replacement and load management programme aimed at reducing power outages and addressing system overloads.
On industrialisation, Mr. Gyan-Mensah indicated that parts of the Central Region are being considered for future energy and industrial hub projects.
These initiatives, he said, will be supported by investments in renewable energy, gas infrastructure and private-sector partnerships.
He also pointed to opportunities associated with the proposed West African gas pipeline project, which is expected to pass through several communities in the region and stimulate economic activity.
The Deputy Minister urged district assemblies to identify and secure land for industrial development, stressing that proper planning, reduced land disputes and effective engagement with traditional authorities would be critical in attracting future investments and driving sustainable growth in the region.
