The Japanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing aid to Ghana to foster sustainable growth and development. Through the Japan Development Cooperation Charter, which emphasizes cooperation for self-reliant development through assistance for self-help efforts, Japan aims to support Ghana’s progress.
Mr. Mochizuki Hisanobu, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, expressed Japan’s dedication to assisting Ghana during the inauguration of the Accra Central Bulk Supply Point (BSP) in Adabraka, Greater Accra Region. The $40 million BSP project was funded by Japan and implemented by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the country’s external technical agency.
The establishment of the BSP near the Accra Central Business District (CBD), one of the rapidly growing economic and commercial hubs in West Africa, aligns with the goal of constructing a reliable infrastructure foundation. The CBD has witnessed an increase in commercial and industrial activities, with the presence of multinational companies and the transformation of single-story buildings into high-rise facilities with high-power demand equipment.
The newly inaugurated BSP, the fourth of its kind in the past 18 months, features a 161/34.5 Kilovolt (kV) substation in a single bus configuration. Its objectives include reducing power losses, particularly at the medium voltage level, improving operating voltages for consumers, and accommodating additional capacity to meet projected load growth within the CBD.
According to the Ministry of Energy, the electricity load in the commercial hub is growing at a rate higher than the system average of 10 percent per annum. This highlights the need for infrastructure development to meet the rising demand.
Mr. Hisanobu emphasized the longstanding friendship between Japan and Ghana, spanning over 60 years. He described it as exceptional and a testament to the value of cooperation. The successful completion of the BSP project is seen as a milestone that will positively impact the lives of many Ghanaians, especially those conducting business in the CBD.
Japan’s support for projects like the BSP stems from their recognition of the transformative power of electricity and its potential for Ghana’s future. The Japanese government extends assistance to various sectors, including education, healthcare, road construction, and policy domains, as part of their ongoing efforts to contribute to Ghana’s development.
