Ghana, Japan sign $13.44 million Grant agreement to improve power supply in Tamale
Ghana and Japan have signed a $13.44 million grant agreement to enhance power supply stability in Tamale and its surrounding areas.
The grant would be used to nance the construction of the primary power substation to help stabilise power supply in Tamale.
The two-year project would also see the construction of a control room and the installation of transformers and interconnected sub-transmission lines.
The Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana while the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ghana Oce, Suzuki Momoko, signed on behalf of her government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony for the grant in Accra on Friday, Dr Forson lauded the Japanese government for the support which is meant to help stabilise power distribution in the Tamale Metropolis.
He said the government was ready to collaborate with JICA and the Japanese government to initiate projects to help accelerate the development of Ghana.
Dr Forson said the government would work to strengthen and deepen the existing cordial relationship between the two countries.
“Our doors are opened and we are ready to work with you and build on our existing cordial bilateral relationship,” he stated.
Dr Forson entreated the Japanese government to also support the construction of the Volivo bridge in the Volta Region.
“The construction of the Volivo bridge is a priority of President John Mahama Dramani,” he stated.
Dr Forson said all the preparatory documents and work must be completed so the project could be incorporated in the 2026 budget for the project to start next year.
Suzuki Momoko, the Chief Representative of JICA in her remarks said the project was symbolic and significant as it would cement the to diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Japan.
She said the project would be implemented by Northern Electricity Company Limited (NEDCo).
The JICA Country Representative said the project was the second to be financed by the Japanese Government after the Power Distribution Project in Tamale and Sunyani in 2015.
Ms Momoko explained that the project which was expected to be completed within two years would help improve power reliability in areas such as the Tamale Central Market, Central Business District, Central Hospital, educational institutions and adjoining rural communities.
“The project will help to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages in Tamale, and the reduced use of generators during such power outages will reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions at each facility, contributing to a sustainable environment,” she said.