The Deputy Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, has outlined a series of energy infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving electricity access, strengthening service delivery and supporting industrial development in the Central Region.

Speaking at an engagement with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from the region in Accra, the Deputy Minister said government is working to bridge electricity access gaps while enhancing collaboration with local authorities on energy projects.

He disclosed that more than 20,000 solar streetlights have been deployed nationwide, with plans underway to expand coverage to additional communities in the Central Region under a phased implementation programme.

According to him, communities with infrastructure deficits and ongoing development projects are being prioritised for the installation of the streetlights.

Mr. Gyan-Mensah also announced plans to introduce a framework to guide the management and maintenance of streetlight infrastructure by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in collaboration with contractors.

He further revealed that the Central Region is among the first beneficiaries of the government's expanded rural electrification programme under the "Big Push" agenda.

Implementation of the initiative is expected to begin in July following the finalisation of contracts, with priority to be given to communities with urgent electricity needs.

The Deputy Minister also expressed concern over increasing transformer failures, noting that more than 2,000 transformers within Electricity Company of Ghana operational areas have been affected in recent years.

He said the Ministry is working with the Electricity Company of Ghana on a nationwide transformer replacement and load management programme to reduce outages and address system overloads.

On industrial development, Mr. Gyan-Mensah said parts of the Central Region are being considered for future energy and industrial hub projects, supported by studies in renewable energy, gas infrastructure and private sector investment.

He also highlighted opportunities linked to the proposed West African gas pipeline project, which is expected to pass through several communities in the region.

The Deputy Minister urged district assemblies to identify and protect land for industrial development, stressing the importance of proper planning, reduced land disputes and engagement with traditional authorities to attract future investments.