The residents of Tendoma Community in the Wa West district of the Upper West Region are frustrated and disappointed over an electricity project that has been abandoned for about 4 years. The project, which began in 2020, was intended to connect the community to the national grid, but despite promises, the residents are yet to receive meters.

The community members had even taken the initiative to wire their houses in preparation for metering, but their efforts have been in vain. The lack of electricity has affected the community’s academic and economic development, particularly for children and women.

The community has given the government an ultimatum to complete the project before the 2024 general elections, threatening to boycott the elections if their demands are not met. The assembly member for the area, Hon. Benedict Ziem, has also appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene and complete the project.

This situation is not unique to Tendoma Community, as many rural communities in Ghana face similar challenges in accessing electricity. In fact, a report by the Plateau State Commissioner of Water Resources and Energy revealed that 63% of the state’s population remain unconnected to the central grid.

The government’s inability to complete the electricity project has not only affected the community’s development but also eroded trust in the government. It is essential for the government to prioritize the completion of this project and ensure that rural communities like Tendoma have access to electricity.