The Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned phase two of Ghana’s first micro hydropower plant.

Phase two saw the addition of a 75-kilowatt hydropower turbine to the existing 45-kilowatt hydropower turbine at the Tsatsadu Generating Station, in Alavanyo Abenehease in the Hohoe Constituency of the Volta Region.

The Tsatsadu Generating Station was designed, developed, and constructed by engineers of the Bui Power Authority (BPA).

An intake structure was installed in the spillway to divert part of the flow of the Tsatsadu River through a steel penstock to two hydropwer turbines that produce 45 and 75 kilowatts. Power produced from the station feds into the national grid.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reiterated the imperative need for Ghana to consider renewable energy as a measure in reducing the cost of electricity hence his vision of investing in solar energy when he becomes President.

He said the successful completion of the Tsatsadu Generating Station gives credence to his promise of increasing the country’s power generation capacity by adding 2,000 megawatts of solar power.

This he said is aimed at reducing the cost of electricity by 50% within the first 4 years of his government and ensuring industries have enough power supply to expand their entities to propel economic growth.

“Today my confidence has been further enhanced that it is possible. I have every confidence that working with Bui Power Authority, within the first four years, we are going to go all out and introduce 2,000 megawatts of solar power into the national grid”, he said.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also commissioned the Tsatsadu Center of Excellence which would serve as a learning center for tertiary students who want to undertake practical training in hydro-generating plant.

The Chief Executive Officer of Bui Power Authority, Samuel Kofi Dzamesie said the idea of constructing a Centre of Excellence was birthed by his predecessor Fred Oware, and former Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu.

“Under them, the 45 kW micro hydro plant was constructed solely by Ghanaian engineers of Bui Power Authority and funded solely by internally generated funds of BPA”, he added.

Mr. Dzamesi announced that construction work would commence on a 3MWp hydro plant at the Wli Waterfall to produce electricity to serve the Hohoe Constituency.

“BPA is very determined to be the renewable energy leaders of this country. As I speak to you,
BPA will add 105 MW of solar power to the energy mix by November this year. 50 MW in Yendi,50MW
in Bui, and 5 MW floating solar at Bui, the first of its kind in Africa.

“All these projects were done under Nana Addo/Bawumia government. So, when you talk about adding 2000 MW solar to the grid, I assure you that it is possible and under your Presidency it shall be done.”, he said.

The Railways Minister and NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Hohoe, John Peter Amewu entreated electorates in his jurisdiction to appreciate the efforts of the government in harnessing potentials of the area for development, by voting for the NPP on December 7th.

He urged the traditional authorities to elect Dr. Bawumia as the next president to enable him to deliver his promise of “revoking the Chieftaincy Act to give you Chiefs the authority to adjudicate disputes in your localities.”