Residents of Have-Gordome and Tovi, farming communities in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, have expressed deep concerns about the dire need for electricity in their areas.
Despite several appeals to the past government and various stakeholders, the communities remain without electricity, hindering their socioeconomic activities.
The Regent of Togbe Akato II, Dufia of Have-Gordome, Mr. John Akorta, disclosed that electrification projects commenced in 2016 but abruptly halted after only a few areas were connected to the national grid. This has left the communities with only erected poles but no electricity.
“The unavailability of electricity for many years has negatively impacted our livelihood. We are farmers, and we need electricity to process our farm produce,” Mr. Akorta stated.
He added that the lack of electricity has also led to security concerns, with the communities experiencing armed robbery due to the absence of lighting.
Mr. Kwaku Borlor, a community leader, echoed similar sentiments, appealing to the government through the Municipal Assembly to support the communities with electricity.
“We lack development due to the unavailability of electricity,” he said, urging the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Daniel Dagba, and the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bernard Ahiafor, to intervene.
Mr. Kingsford Yao Blamey, the former Assembly Member, revealed that he made several appeals to the Electricity Company of Ghana and the contractor to complete the project between 2019 and 2023. However, despite promises, the work remains unfinished.
According to Mr. Blamey, the contractor, Mr. Asankah, cited the lack of cables provided by the government as the reason for not completing the project.
The communities are now appealing to the government to equip the contractor to complete the project.
Meanwhile, some residents have expressed outrage over reports of retrieved stolen ECG cables hidden in warehouses, questioning why such materials are unavailable for projects like theirs.
The residents are with hope that their cries would be heard, and they would finally receive the electricity they desperately need to improve their lives and boost their local economy.
