The Member of Parliament for the Akrofuom constituency, Alexander Blankson has launched a project to bring electricity to nine communities in his constituency as part of the Self Help Electrification Programme (SHEP-5) Rural Electrification Project.
According to him, the initiative is part of a promise he made to the people during the 2020 general elections.
He stated that before the elections, he successfully connected about eight communities to the national grid, bringing joy to the residents.
The communities that have been electrified include Grumesa, Benkumhene, Kofigyame, Asiedukrom, Car Owner, Akwaako, Agya Atta, Botwekrom, and Dunkwafuom.
Mr Blankson acknowledged that, the process to extend electricity to these communities was challenging, noting that it took 4 years of effort, especially as he had to lobby as a Vice-chair of the Mines and Energy committee to make the project a reality for the 9 beneficiary communities.
He expressed gratitude to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his support and assured that other challenges faced by the communities, such as road infrastructure, will also be addressed.
DRIP to the rescue
The MP also mentioned that the constituency is heavily relying on the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) launched recently to resolve its challenges with bad roads, stressing that, efforts have been made to get the equipment transported to the constituency.
Eyeing 70% of popular votes
The Member of Parliament for Akrofuom further expressed expectation to be re-elected in the December 7 polls, aiming for 70% of the popular vote.
Mr Blankson will face strong competition from David Azumah of the National Democratic Congress.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Akrofuom District Assembly, Dr. Maurice Jonas Woode stated only 10 communities had access to electricity since the district was created in 2018.
He added that so far 42 communities have been added to it, with only 10 communities left without access to power.
Dr. Woode mentioned that efforts are being made to tackle the deplorable road networks in the districts while stressing that plans are afoot to resolve the telecommunication network issues in some communities.
Nana Baffour Akoto Odikro of Grumesa, a beneficiary community expressed excitement over the electricity project and commended the MP and the DCE for collaborating effectively for the development of the district.
He however appealed to them to attend to their other pressing needs which include fixing their deplorable road network.
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