The projects, which bring reliable electricity to the two communities for the first time, were funded largely from the MP’s personal resources, with additional support from the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the beneficiary communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on December 25, Mr. Ampem Nyarko said the choice of Christmas Day was symbolic, noting that the birth of Jesus Christ represented the coming of light into a world once covered in darkness.

“Today marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us there was darkness over the world, and a Savior was born to bring light. In the same spirit, today we are bringing light to Awurahae. There could not have been a better day than Christmas to do this,” he said.

He described the electrification project as the best Christmas gift to the people and credited President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership for making it possible. According to him, the project fulfilled a long-standing promise to the communities.

Mr. Ampem Nyarko recalled the difficult journey toward electrification, noting that residents had, in the past, expressed deep frustration over years of living without electricity.

“I remember times when we came here, and you sent us away because there was no electricity. I even recall an incident when a gentleman stood up, very angry, demanding that we leave because the community still had no light,” he said. “Today, that light has finally come.”

He explained that despite winning the parliamentary seat in earlier elections, being in opposition limited his ability to address some development needs. He said he appealed to residents to support both his re-election and President Mahama’s bid, assuring them that victory would lead to the fulfilment of their electricity needs.

“President Mahama won, and today, you have the light,” he told residents amid applause.

Community members expressed appreciation for the project, describing it as a transformative intervention expected to boost education, healthcare delivery, and economic activities in the area.

One of the major highlights of the event will be the election of a new President and Board Chairman, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Addressing delegates, Mr. Ampem called for bold, forward-looking conversations and decisive action.

“This week’s meeting will be an interesting one,” he said. “We should not only reflect on what has been achieved, but more importantly, let us imagine and design what is possible. Let our conversations be honest, and our actions be decisive.”

He expressed optimism about the outcomes, adding, “I am excited for what will emerge from our engagements.”

New Leadership for Afreximbank

The Bank’s shareholders, including Ghana, are set to elect a new President and Board Chairman to succeed Professor Benedict Oramah, who is expected to step down after this year’s meetings.

Prof. Oramah has led Afreximbank since September 21, 2015, and has overseen major expansion in the Bank’s scope, reach, and influence across Africa and beyond.

Prior to becoming President, he served as Executive Vice President in charge of Business Development and Corporate Banking, and earlier as Chief Analyst after joining the Bank in 1994.

Before his career at Afreximbank, Prof. Oramah was Assistant Research Manager at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank.

His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the Bank’s leadership, as stakeholders prepare to usher in a new era for Africa’s premier trade finance institution.

ALSO READ:

• Afreximbank announces Board changes and increase in authorized capital

• FDH Bank Malawi bags US$15-million Afreximbank loan facility

Responding to questions during his parliamentary vetting on Monday, February 24, Mr Ampem strongly refuted such rumours.

“I am not aware of any subtle intention to cancel free SHS,” he declared, stressing that his full support would remain with the Minister of Finance in ensuring adequate funding for the country’s education system.

Mr Ampem further emphasised that, while he remains open to the outcomes of the ongoing education forum, his commitment lies with the consensus of the Ghanaian people.

“As to the outcome of the education forum, if Ghanaians have consensus on a particular direction and it becomes government policy, I will support it in any way,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also reaffirmed a key promise made by President John Mahama, who, during his campaign nationwide, assured the nation that the Free SHS policy would not be scrapped.

“President Mahama gave Ghanaians the assurance that he will not cancel free SHS, and I know he is a man of his words,” Mr Ampem stated, reinforcing his belief that the policy would remain intact.

ALSO READ:

• GES conducts public survey on Free SHS and Double Track System

• Free SHS policy has been a game-changer – Adutwum