Ghana has launched a rural electrification programme aimed at connecting 159 unelectrified communities in the Savannah Region to the national electricity grid by the end of 2026, as part of the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
The Rural Electricity Intensification Project (REIP), being implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, was officially launched on Tuesday. Eight communities in the West Gonja Municipality were simultaneously connected to the national grid.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition Richard Gyan-Mensah, speaking on behalf of the sector minister, said the electrification programme forms part of President John Mahama’s “Big Push” agenda, which prioritises expanding electricity access in rural communities.
He said the project is expected to support economic growth, improve healthcare and education services, and enhance security in the beneficiary communities.
Gyan-Mensah said Ghana has achieved about 90% electricity access, placing it among the leading countries in Africa in terms of electrification. However, he said several rural communities remain without electricity, with the government targeting universal electricity access by 2030.
He said the government has allocated GH¢2 billion for electricity expansion under the first phase of the Big Push programme, covering the Savannah, Central, Oti and Volta regions.
More than GH¢600 million of that amount has been earmarked for the Savannah Region, where 107 communities will be connected to the national grid under existing contracts, he said.
Gyan-Mensah added that additional communities are being electrified under the Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP), bringing the total number of beneficiary communities in the Savannah Region to more than 159.
He said electricity coverage in the region is currently estimated at between 50% and 60%.
He also said the government’s solar street lighting programme is progressing, with several communities in the region expected to benefit in the coming months.
Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awurebi said the project would help address longstanding electricity access challenges in the Eastern Gonja area while expanding power supply across the region. He said the initiative reflects the government’s efforts to extend infrastructure to underserved communities.
Member of Parliament for Damongo Samuel Abu Jinapor said the project to connect the eight communities began in 2023 and has now been completed under the current administration. He described reliable electricity as essential for improving livelihoods, supporting businesses, strengthening healthcare and education services, and promoting economic development.
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Jinapor said cooperation across political divides had contributed to the project’s completion, adding that such collaboration ultimately benefits local communities.
Residents welcomed the connection to the national grid after years without electricity.
“We thank the government very much for giving us the opportunity to see light and, most especially, our MP Abu Jinapor for this historic moment,” said Leticia, a resident of one of the beneficiary communities.
“We used to travel to Sawla to charge our phones, but now we can charge them in our own homes.”
She said access to electricity would improve daily life while creating new opportunities for businesses and young people in the community.
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