885 To get compensation following Bui power project

Some 885 people whose crops, buildings and structures were affected during the construction of the transmission lines under the Bui Power Project (BPP) are to receive their compensations Monday.

The beneficiaries, whose farms and properties were in the right of way of the transmission lines which covered a total area of 240 kilometres, will benefit from an amount of GH¢2,116,322.

Government releases funds 

A statement signed by Mr Wumbila Salifu, the External Relations Manager of the BPA, said the government had released the amount for the payment of compensation to beneficiaries. 

It said the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission had inspected, enumerated and valued the properties which belonged to the beneficiaries spread across 41 communities.

“The disbursement of the money to the affected persons will begin on Monday, February 17, 2014,” it said.

Second batch 

The payment is the second batch of compensation to be paid under the 400-megawatt hydroelectric power project built on the Black Volta.

The first batch of about 580 farmers who were affected by the construction received their compensation in April 2012.

The beneficiaries included people whose economic trees and crops were affected by the Bui reservoir and constructional activities under the Bui Generating Station.

The BPP 

The first phase of the Bui hydropower plant has increased the installed electricity generation capacity in Ghana by 22 per cent. 

The construction of the main dam began in December 2009. Its first generator produced power for the grid on May 3, 2013.

The total project cost of US$622 million was financed from the government of Ghana's resources and two credits from the China Exim Bank and a commercial loan of US$292 million.

It required the resettlement of 1,216 people and affected many more.